Christmas Day
Today was a busy day. Family came to visit.
Today’s word is JOY!
My first thought, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her king.”
Joy and happiness, though similar are not the same. Happiness comes by circumstances, joy exists despite the circumstances. Hope is a key ingredient in joy. We can have joy because we have hope for a better outcome.
Jesus went to the cross because He knew the restoration of humanity with God would come through His actions. Therefore He faced it with joy.
We have spent a lot of time alone. Norm sleeps a lot. Chemo knocks down one’s immune system so that in cold and flu season, he can’t go out easily. Big crowds carry big risks. For a time, he didn’t want to have anyone come and see him in this weakened condition. Fortunately for me, he was gracious to allow me to leave him for an hour or so, without making me feel guilty. Not every caretaker has that.
This past two weeks, he has enjoyed a number of visitors. I’m realizing that we are social people, we need interaction with others. Sharing our stories, hopes and dreams fills us in a way that we cannot get in isolation. There is healing in the laughter and joy that comes with family and friends.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
You (God) will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalms 16:11
The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over. you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17
It’s fun to picture God rejoicing over us…just like a parent watching his/her child as they speak, act and play.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy be made full. John 15:9-11
I am thankful for family and friends.
I pray for those who don’t have anyone around them, that they will find a friend, reconnect with family, or restore a lost relationship.
I rejoice that Jesus Christ endured the cross for the joy set before Him, our full restoration to relationship with God.
Where’s the joy? I have friends and family with whom to share my life.
TRICIA LATHROP 