Saturday, December 11, 2010 Fourteenth Day of Advent

Saturday, December 11^th

Isaiah 35:10 – http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=158554106

Joy

In the season of Advent, we long for this vision in Isaiah – we long for the day when we “shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”  As we approach Christmas, we remember that Jesus’ birth began the fulfillment of this prophecy.  Jesus came to ransom the people of God from the bondage to sin; Jesus came to ransom the people of God from their exile in despair.  Jesus came to bring the possibility of everlasting joy, and Jesus will come again to finish what he started. 

But the joy of Christ is not just a future promise, it can be experienced here and now in the mundane details of life. We can experience joy by sharing a meal with a loved one, or by sharing a good laugh.  Joy is more than an emotion.  It is a mindset that shapes how we see the world and other people.  It is a mindset that helps us see the world as God’s world, and see ourselves and others as God’s beloved children.  I invite you to share the joy of Christ with another today.  You might cook a meal for a friend, offer a cheerful smile to a downhearted neighbor, or you might just try to keep a cheerful attitude in all of your activities throughout the day.

Kid Challenge:  Have you ever noticed how much joy can spread?  As Christians, God fills us with a joy that is unlike any other joy in the world – the joy of knowing that God loves us more than we can ever imagine.  And we have the opportunity to spread that joy to everyone around us!  We all have our grouchy moments, but I challenge you today to spread God’s joy by trying to be cheerful even when you feel grouchy.  Give a cheerful smile or have a cheerful attitude and watch God’s joy spread!

Advent Blesssings,

Laura

This Christmas, give the gift that only you can give,
                                  ...give yourself this Christmas! (Peter Mayer)