Sharing the Joy
READ: John 1:43-51
Amy, Jackie and Mary were back at school for the first time since Christmas vacation. They were all happy to see each other and began talking about their Christmases. Amy noticed that Mary was kind of quiet during the conversation. Later, when they were alone, she asked Mary if something was bothering her. Mary looked upset and told her it was about her Christmas. She said she got good presents and it was nice to see her family, but something was missing from the celebration. She couldn't figure out what it was. This really bothered her.
Amy knew immediately what was wrong. She knew that Mary's family didn't go to church, so the true meaning of Christmas was what was missing in her heart. She didn't have real joy. Amy told her about how her Savior was born on Christmas Day and then died to save her. Then she invited Mary to go to church with her on Sunday. Mary smiled and gladly accepted.
Amy was following Philip's example by sharing her joy with Mary. Philip was so excited when Jesus asked him to follow Him that he immediately went and told his friend Nathanael, "We have found the one Moses wrote about. Come and see." Nathanael also went and became a follower of Christ. Let us follow their example.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What does Christmas mean to you? How can you help a friend who feels empty inside? Who do you know that needs to be invited to meet your Jesus?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God to give you the strength to talk to your friends about Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives them faith when you talk to them.