Later today I sat down to write our advent devotion for this week. Yesterday was so busy that we didn't fit it in like we try to do on the Sunday nights leading up to Christmas.
As I sat down to write I stared at the word - JOY. Up to that point, I had not been experiencing a lot of joy in my day. I was a frazzled mess.
I turned to the scripture that I knew I wanted to focus on with the girls for this candle. The story of the shepherds being visited by the angels. "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12
After pondering this verse in my heart, this is what I wrote.
"One of the greatest stories of Joy in the Bible is when the angels shared the news of great joy to the shepherds in the fields. The birth of the Savior was a huge reason to celebrate. God had sent His Son to save us.
The birth of Jesus happened many years ago, yet our hearts are still filled with great joy when we celebrate His birth.
Jesus came to earth as a baby to live just like you and me. He had to live through the same temptations and trials that we all face in our lives. The only difference was that He did not fail. He did not give in or give up. Instead He gave His life for you and for me. And that is a reason for us to celebrate everyday and have great joy at all times knowing that we are alive through Jesus."
After we lit the second candle on our wreath we held hands and sang "Joy to the World". Christmas is filled with overcommitments and stressful days, but it is also filled with joy.
As my girls sang their little hearts out tonight I was overcome with the joy of a mother that knows that our family is celebrating Jesus. Not just at Christmastime, but everyday.
I am Unwrapping the wonderful gift that was given to me that blessed Christmas morn. A Savior wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.
Join Emily at Chatting at the Sky and unwrap your blessings today.
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9 comments:
Joy to the World always makes me teary eyed!
What a beautiful celebration you've created in your home :)
And what a wonderful celebration that is!
What a JOY it is to know the true gift! Blessings to your family this Christmas season!
I almost have to laugh and tell you to rewrap Him - He only had swaddling clothes to keep Him warm! At least leave those on!
What a wonderful reminder, though. I am still learning to unwrap with my daughter, and another baby due any day... Thank you for going before, living this so others can see. It helps those like me coming from behind.
hee ... i've been stalking you since your comment last week on my site. :)
but needed to stop in today to tell you i love this post {yesterday's too}.
beautiful ... thank you!
the most joyful night in the world...thank you for the reminder.
sometimes we gotta dig deep for what we need... and sometimes He just hands it to us when we have no more energy to dig. blessings to you... and joy!
A great post! We need so many reminders of the true JOY of the holiday season!
Great stuff--thank you for sharing your Advent content with us...for reminders of JOY.
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