Light a Candle for Joy

The joy Jesus Christ makes available to every believer is distinct from the happiness that is the great pursuit of all humanity. Happiness is based on circumstances. When things are good, our acknowledgement of those good circumstances causes us to experience the emotion of happiness. However, what Jesus Christ offers the believer is the opportunity to experience gladness based on an unwavering fact: we are His and He is ours! And though all else might change, because we are His by His unalterable action, we can rejoice no matter the circumstances. (John 1:12 - 13). We can declare the goodness of the God who has forgiven us of our sins, healed us of our diseases, reclaimed us from the pit and crowned us with His love. (Psalm 103:3 - 4). We rejoice for what His first appearance accomplished and for what He will perfectly manifest here on earth upon His second coming. (Revelation 21:1 -7).

Knowing that our joy is found in God, we can establish a healthier relationship with food and drink-not seeking to find our joy in them. Often, where there is excess in our lives, it is an indication that we have erected an idol in our hearts: that we have looked to what is not God to satisfy. Let us not be engorged with food, nor drunk with wine, but let us partake of them in the character of Christ by exhibiting self-control.

Here are 8 tips for helping you glorify Jesus Christ, who is self-controlled, from Church Health Reader:​

1. 1. Plate it. Putting food on a plate, rather than grazing at a holiday party, helps you be more mindful of what you’re eating and how much.
   
2. 2. Portion control.  Grab a smaller plate to help manage the temptation to put more on your plate than you need.
3. 3. Start with veggies.  Eat a few healthy vegetables first to curb
   
4. your appetite before sampling holiday treats.
5. 4. Choose proteins.  Nuts, low-fat dairy, legumes, and lean meat in
   healthy portions will help you feel full.
6. 5. Skip it. If you don’t love it, don’t eat it!
7. 6. Slow down. It takes your brain time to receive the signal that
   you’re full, so slow down and enjoy every bite.
8. 7. Wait for the seconds. If you wait 10 minutes, you’ll feel more full and the temptation for seconds will pass.
9. 8. Focus on a few bites. The first bites are the most satisfying; enjoy them without thinking you need the entire dish.

Learn more about the biblical definition of joy here: 

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Jeanette recommends this devotional to center our hearts and incorporate movement for wellness into our lives this Advent.
Get yours here:
​Walking to the Manger: Four Weeks of Daily Devotions for Advent (2019) By Butch Odom

​Happy temple building!

Take care. Bless many.