Our Greatest Joy
Celebrating The Birth of Our Greatest Joy
Have you noticed that Christmas lights are going up early this year?
I used to think, “Before Thanksgiving? Way too early.”
Not this year!
This week, we’re getting out our Christmas decorations and joining our fellow neighbors and friends who are decorating their homes right now for the holidays.
I know, I know. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet.
This year is different.
The joy and excitement that Christmas provides seems especially needed this year, and sooner rather than later.
Everyone I’ve talked to says that they’re just “tired of all of it.”
If you’re feeling this way also, please know that you’re not alone.
I’m sad too about all of the negatives and hardships this year – family losses, the continued suffering, the virus itself, the cancellations, the masks, and the political volatility.
Our hearts are crying out for the joyful holiday celebrations that we remember and love.
In truth, how could they not?
I can’t wait to see more Christmas lights and decorations go up.
They’re a beautiful sight for the eyes, but we should always remember what this time of year is really all about – our Blessed Savior.
Politicians and the like may try, but they will never “cancel” Him.
Courtesy of Geralt on Pixabay
Focus On The Lord
Jesus, our Deliverer, is our greatest Joy.
We are not defeated Christians!
Paul said the following words of truth to the Colossians – an encouragement that we can also find rest in:
Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:1-2, (NASB).1
Our Greatest Joy – Guaranteed!
I’ll leave you with this beautiful poem I found recently that really touched my heart.
Jill Briscoe’s lovely words are a reminder of God’s unequaled love for His creation, and that includes you and me.
We are treasured and we are loved.
No matter what we go through, and will go through in the coming days, evil will take a defeated nosedive before King Jesus at the appointed time.
Undeniably, our greatest joy is ahead, guaranteed!!
Kneeling with Kings
by Jill Briscoe
Kneeling with kings at the crib of my Savior,
Singing in praise with the angels on high;
Here with Your people, wondering about You,
I’m thinking of Jesus and wanting to cry!
Father, I love You for giving me heaven
Wrapped in the form of a newborn so small,
But how could You stand to know all that would happen
When You left Him in Bethlehem in an animal stall?
Treasured in glory and praised by creation
God as a baby to humans on loan;
Why didn’t You run down the stairway of heaven,
Snatch up Your God Child and take Him back home?
What’s that You’re saying? You left Him to save me?
You love me as much as You love Your sweet Son?
You gave me Your heart when You gave me Your Jesus
And my Father’s full giving is only begun.
I bring You my life and the years lent for living
For Your crib-and-cross sacrifice tear me apart;
When You count all my tears as I kneel at this altar,
May You know it worthwhile when You look at my heart!
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Nativity Illustration courtesy of Geralt/22312images on pixabay.
1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
2 Poetry courtesy of Jill Briscoe, “Kneeling with Kings.” [online post]. From The Garden of Grace © 2007. Posted December 4, 2018, Web. Accessed November 13, 2020 from Telling The Truth, https://www.tellingthetruth.org/read/individual-post/read/2018/12/05/kneeling-with-kings
