JOY

May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! Proverbs 23:25
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.  Proverbs 27:9
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 

There are many types of joy:  
 The giggles from our girl or boy,
 The time well spent with a good friend,
 The joy of the Lord no one else can send.
 
 Our children give us joyful times
 From watching them play to their bedtimes;
 Though they grow older the joy transforms
 To something else, but the heart it still warms.
 
 The joy we receive from a dear old friend
 Comes from one on whom we depend.
 They are there in the good times and sad,
 A deep-seated joy that makes our hearts glad.
 
 And then there’s the joy that comes from the Lord.
 Beyond understanding, a treasured reward.
 For in hard times when we seek Him at length
 We find the joy of the Lord is our strength!
 
 Treasure the times with your kids and friends,
 And the times with the Lord you wish never ends!
 Look for the joys in every moment,
 Resting assured they’ve been heaven-sent! 

There is so much joy to be found at Christmas! Our children are excited as the decorations are put up, presents are wrapped, cookies are baked, and familiar traditions of the season ensue. No matter what their age, our children become giddy with the anticipation of Christmas. Their joy is infectious, and soon we become just as excited as we recall the joys of Christmases past.

Throughout the season, we gather together with friends to share a meal, exchange gifts, engage in projects, and reminisce about our friendship. Whether they are near or far, we take time to connect with our friends especially at Christmastime. They bring us a different kind of joy than our families, but just as heartfelt and important.

But more than family and friendship, the joy we experience with our relationship with God is unmatched. As we go about the activities surrounding Christmas, we also reflect on the reason Christmas exists. God became flesh as Jesus was born in a stable that first Christmas. Oh, the anticipation and joy the shepherds must have experienced as they approached the manger scene! As we set up our nativity sets, we are reminded of that joyous night! Although it was not under the best of circumstances, there was joy surrounding the holy family. God was not deterred by the difficulties surrounding the birth of His Son. His purpose was fulfilled when He sent angels to the shepherds to announce the Good News, spoke wisdom to the Wise Men on their journey to the manger, and used a star to show the way to the Savior of the world. Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let us celebrate His birth with great joy this season!

 Lord, I thank you for the joy You bring through my family and friends.
 I am especially thankful for the joy of knowing You!  
 I pray that throughout this season You fill me with an inexplicable joy as I reflect on the birth of Your Son. Amen