A day of thanksgiving, a day of joy and delight! The holiday season has arrived. This is Thanksgiving in the United States, with Christmas and Boxing Day and other religious days of observance fast approaching.

Most people approach the holidays with one of two attitudes: one of anticipation and joy or with dread and a Bah! Humbug! attitude.

As committed Christians, shouldn”™t we approach each day with anticipation of joy and delight? Delighting in God and His love for us?

LOVE (NASB) John 15:9 “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.”

This is a phrase that I have thought about: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you;” As God the Father has loved Jesus”¦He has loved His followers with that same love! Then Jesus gave a command”¦”abide in My love.”

God”™s love is not based on emotions; it is based on His will. He has chosen to direct His love by His will and what is best for His children.

OBEDIENCE (NASB) John 15:10 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father”™s commandments and abide in His love.”

Jesus did not say for His followers to do something He did not do. He has done everything He has told us to do. Amazing humility of God the Son.

Love and obedience are intertwined; they are not to be separated. Obeying the word of God is to remain in His love. Obedience is a condition in loving God.

JOY (NASB) John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

How do you approach each day ““ with anticipation of joy and delight? Will you now choose to delight in God and His love for you?

LOVE (for God) + OBEDIENCE (to God) = JOY (in God)