3rd Sunday of Advent . . .
Anticipating God’s Gift of Joy
Though you have not seen him, you love him.
Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and
rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
obtaining the outcome of your faith,
the salvation of your souls . . . 1 Peter 1:8-9
Anticipating God’s Gift of Joy through the Kaleidoscope . . .
As you focus on the gentle movement of the kaleidoscope today, watch how the colors change and create new
images with each movement, twist, or turn . . . like the uniqueness of a snowflake, a real kaleidoscope creates unique images, all beautifully enhanced by the pure light that shimmers within the broken pieces and reflective mirrors.
Each of us is like a kaleidoscope in the hands of God . . . God creates unique individuals, all beautiful from within,
as the perfect Light of Christ reflects and connects the pieces of our heart and souls into an amazing image of joy. What an enthralling feeling within to know that God can and does create something precious and special within
each of us, so unique only He can envision.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays are repeated over and over during the Advent season, but merry and happy
aren’t adequate to express the joy we should experience during this time of year. Christmas is about joy! Joy of a promise fulfilled in the birth of the Child, joy in the forgiveness the Child will buy for us on a cross, joy that God cares about us so much that He takes the misfit, broken souls we are and makes us precious in His love.
Joy, the valued and worthy feeling in the soul produced by the Holy Spirit as He opens our eyes and hearts to allow
us to see the beauty of Jesus in the Word and in His works. A feeling, an emotion, that does not come from our bodies but from our souls . . . not produced by human means but produced when we are connected to the Holy Spirit, who connects us to the Lord.
We can all feel happiness but joy, true joy, can only be experienced when we are connected to God, and is only
revealed through a living relation with the Lord.
Watch the kaleidoscope create beauty and take joy in the knowledge that God is doing the same within you.
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy,
all you upright in heart! . . . Psalm 32:11
Thoughts for today & tomorrow . . .
But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look,
I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord,
was born for you in the city of David . . . Luke 2:10-11
The ability to have joy is a gift from God. Circumstances may not always breed happiness, but you can still
experience joy. Joy is a condition of your heart beyond the events and experiences life may bring.
For some, finding joy at Christmas is harder than other times of the year . . . memories of loved ones, financial struggles, health issues, relationship woes, distance, and difficulties often create a very disjointed, or even sad celebration.
As you journey through the Christmas season, be gentle with your expectations of yourself and of others.
We are all unique and we respond to things in different ways . . we are only responsible for our own actions and reactions. Ron Edmondson wrote, “We’ve been called to love others – and, that call doesn’t come with a list of stipulations for others to meet before we love them.” Don’t be too hard on yourself or others.
Christmas is really an excellent time to re-dedicate your life to Christ. Love and forgive a little more, grumble a little
less . . . smile, sing, laugh at something trivial or mindless, hug good memories, and toss aways some worries for
a moment or two.
Choosing to be joyful often comes through perspective, rather than circumstances. If you are struggling to find joy,
turn your eyes upon Jesus. Stand in faith and trust in Christ and you will see the world through His eyes . . . you will
see hope and possibilities.
Look again at the manger . . . Jesus, the One who existed before time began, set the stars in place, came to earth
as a baby and was placed in a feeding trough, so that He could, through death on the Cross and resurrection,
give us unearned access to God, the Father . . . that is something to find joy in.
The fact is joy is a gift . . . not based on what we have done or could do, but on God’s amazing grace towards us.
It’s based on the hope of the righteous, not the reality of the moment. We can choose joy, because of who God is
and because of our relationship with Him even in the midst of life’s struggles . . . and then we can choose joy again,
and again, and again.
Remember . . . the angels announced “good news of great joy” at the birth of Christ.
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words:
Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace.
Then the God of love and peace will be with you . . . 2 Corinthians 13:11
Reflections of Joy . . .
You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life.
As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending,
and I know true joy and contentment . . . Psalm 16:11
Joy is deeper than happiness, as happiness is determined by external, fleeting circumstances. When God gave us
the gift of the Child, He introduced a newfound joy into this world. Joy in Christ is found within your heart and soul.
It is a sense of knowing and understanding that life may not be perfect, but with the Light of Christ guiding the journey
it will be alright. It is a simple truth . . . joy shines forth with the birth of the Child of Light.
This truth is simple. Joy is found by spending time in God's presence, delighting in him. Sometimes the blur of busy
family schedules, particularly around Christmas, presses in and keeps us from entering all that he has for us, including
a joyful disposition. But how do we enter into his presence to find this joy? Talking with God is a good start.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.
Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete . . . John 16:24
Find that scrap of paper, an index card, or journal . . . Write down, doodle about, or think about . . .
What obstacles in your life would you like to overcome completely, or at least
break down into smaller, handleable pieces?
What season of life are you experiencing right now—a fall or winter season, or
spring or summertime?
What needs to change . . . or maybe just be focused on more . . . in order for
you to find joy in the Lord again? . . . to find joy in your life more fully?
Remember to pray . . .
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer . . . Romans 12:12
This is a simple, yet challenging conversation . . . Ask God to help you discover and define your joy . . . and pray
for the ability to share your joy with others and be a light in this world.
Consider this phrase . . .
“I will choose to find joy in the journey that God has set before me.”
Prayerfully meditate on in . . . tuck it in your heart and soul . . . let it become a mantra for your life.
True joy lives in the heart of those who believe in Christ . . . it occurs from knowing that God loves you and wants
what is best for you. Do you believe?!?
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence . . . Acts 2:28
Anticipate God’s Gift of The Light . . . Choose Joy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBlyIrwJIgU
