(our advent wreath, celebrating the coming of Christ)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
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Joy, not because of our circumstances. Joy, not because of the tangible things we hold dear. Joy, not because of earthly trappings. or because we are without pain and suffering. No.
Joy – because He was Heaven’s joy, the apple of His Father’s eye. Joy, because He came – and with His arrival He brought mercy and forgiveness. Joy, because in Him all will be made right. Joy, because He alone brings the hope of deliverance.
JOY.
I want this joy to nestle down into my heart this morning and linger there through the winter…
So, I’m departing from my regularly scheduled events this morning… to share something simple. These are just words from a Christmas song that I am learning with my kid’s choir at church. But they became so real to me last night as I listened to the sweet voices of children sing them. Here is joy:
Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven
Jesus, joy of the highest heaven
Born as a little baby under a wondrous star
Like us, crying He takes his first breath,
Held by his mother, helpless, close to her beating heart.
Jesus, laid in a lowly manger
Facing a world of dangers
Come to turn me, a stranger
Into a child of God.
Jesus, King of the highest heaven
Learning to take His first steps that He might bring us life.
Like us, knowing our smiles and sorrows
He showed the way to follow, a way that is true and right,
Jesus, take away every darkness.
Steady my simple footsteps,
that I might in your goodness,
Live as a child of God.
daily portion 