And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. (John 17:13)

We find in our scripture passage this morning the core character trait in the life of a Christian. The joy of Christ! In the final moments before His arrest and trial that would lead to His death on the cross, Jesus prayed to the Father that “My joy fulfilled in themselves.” Of all the things that Jesus wanted for His disciples, it was His joy. Jesus spoke often of His joy to the His disciples. They witnessed in His joy that came not from the world, not from the acceptance and appreciation of others, not from the approval of the religious leadership or those with authority, nor from His miraculous personal accomplishments. His joy was completely founded in the relationship He had with the Father. He had joy in knowing that word of God was being fulfilled. Jesus prayed that “they may be one as We are” and that His joy be complete and filled in them. My friends, joy is the birthright for every born-again child of God. The joy of Christ settles deep within our hearts as we grow in a fulfilled relationship with the Father and realize we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom8:16-17). His joy is filled in our hearts as come to know that we were once dead in sin but now are alive in Christ (Rom 6:4). Jesus prayed that His disciples and, also “those who will believe in Me through their word” (v.20) to be filled with His joy. It is a joy that is unshakeable and not move by any circumstance. Father, I pray for all who trust Jesus as Savior that they be filled and characterized by the joy of Christ. Thank You for Your abiding Presence, for filling us with the Your joy and lead us to “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Pet 1:8). In Jesus Name. Amen.