Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee! by Just Between Us

J , O L YF U F U Y O

We Adore Thee

A CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL TO INSPIRE YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF CHRIST.

Cover Design & Layout: Ashley Schmidt Editor: Ann Cook Assistant Editor: Shelly Esser

Dear Friends, Are you looking forward with anticipation to the Christmas season, or are you dreading the holidays with all the hustle and bustle of celebrations, merriment, and gift giving? Maybe you are feeling something in between enthusiasm and hope, or apprehension and anxiety. Wherever you are, Just Between Us wants to encourage you to experience more fully the joy of Jesus that is made possible by the Christmas story—Jesus’s hopeful arrival to a weary world. Henry van Dyke’s familiar poem, The Hymn of Joy (1907) and popularly known as Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, is as applicable today as when it was first penned. The words remind us that we can experience joy in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. So many of us are weary from the strife and challenges around us, so we hope this devotional will allow you to “melt the clouds of sin and sadness and drive the dark of doubt away.” These ten devotionals are written by a selection of Just Between Us authors including our founder, Jill Briscoe. Each has a Scripture passage to read, an inspirational story, reflection questions to meditate on, and a prayer. It is not necessary to read them in consecutive order—you can read them in any order you choose that will meet your need for that day! It is our prayer that as you engage in God’s Word and these inspirational Christmas stories, you will grow in your faith, love, and joy of our Savior. Most importantly, we pray as your heart focuses on the true meaning of Christmas, you’ll be able to joyfully worship—Christ the Lord.

Christmas Blessings, Your JBU Sisters in Christ

Contents

The Hymn of Joy

By Ann Cook..................................................................................................1

Uninspiring Gifts

By Barbara M. Britton...........................................................................3

Asking for Joy

By Laura Sandretti………………………………………………………………........................5

Still Expectant

By Karaline Huenink.....................................................................................7

Hope Sings Low

By Jamie Santana........................................................................................9

The Transforming Gift Riches for Rags

By Laurie Pluimer………………………………………………………...............12

By Laura Denoyer-Moore………………………………………………………...................14

Where Do You Find Rest? Joy to the World!

By Karaline Huenink………………………………………………...........16

By Lisa Elliot...............................................................................................18

Good Tidings of Great Joy

By Shelly Esser………………………………………………………..........20

Poem: Divinity Wrapped in a Blanket

By Jill Briscoe………………………………………....22

The Hymn of Joy By Ann Cook Read: Psalm 100; 96:1-3; Hebrews 13:15 Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Op’ning to the Sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day! All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise; Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea, Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee! Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever blessing, ever blest, Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean-depth of happy rest! Thou the Father, Christ our Brother, All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the Joy Divine. Mortals, join the mighty chorus, Which the morning stars began; Father-love is reigning o’er us, Brother-love binds man to man. Ever singing, march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife; Joyful music lifts us Sunward In the triumph song of life. -Henry van Dyke

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas hymns that was originally written as a poem. The triumphant beginning continues throughout the entire song, drawing our hearts toward ethereal gladness! It’s as profoundly fitting and meaningful today as it was in 1907. As the author, Henry van Dyke, remarked, “These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time—hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.” So, whatever you’ve experienced this year—personal loss or frustration with the state of our world—let your heart focus on these age-old lyrics of hope. Let this song remind you of who you are to adore and what you should rejoice in. Put your focus on the “Lord of love” who’s reigning over you—now and always. Spend some time thinking about how His love binds us together and teaches us how to really love one another. May

“Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of Glory, Lord of love” become the joyful melody of

your heart not only at Christmastime, but throughout every day of the year. And may you let Christ, the “Giver of immortal gladness, fill your heart with the light of day!” Reflect:

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Where has your focus been recently, on the God of glory, or your circumstances? Pray that He, “the giver of immortal gladness,” will “fill your heart with the light of day!”

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Listen to or sing the song, Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. As you focus on the words, how is this encouraging and inspiring you? How does this joyful music lift you up?

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Meditate on Psalm 100. Focus on how we are to worship and find joy in the Lord.

Pray:

Dear Lord, I’m sorry for not giving You my worship and adoration. Please “melt the clouds of sin and sadness” in my heart away and draw me to the joy found in You, my Savior. As I focus on Your glory, creation, forgiveness, and rest—may I experience Your divine joy. Teach me how to love others and to realize I’m victorious in You, even in the midst of any strife. Bring gladness to my heart this Christmastime. Amen. 2

Uninspiring Gifts By Barbara M. Britton Read: Luke 2:8-20; Philippians 4:4

Each year I promise myself that I am going to be ready for Christmas. I commit to buying gifts in the fall and having my Christmas cards mailed the day after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, those lofty goals never happen. In December of 2015, I had an excuse to be late with my Christmas shopping and card writing. I was battling breast cancer. My lumpectomy in October was supposed to rid my body of cancer. The best laid plans of doctors and surgeons didn’t come to fruition. I needed radical surgery and the operation had me in the hospital in December. You might think I was depressed and down about the situation, but through the trial of cancer, I grew closer to God. Certainly, I focused on getting healthy, but I had ample time in the quiet moments of the surgical ward to pray to God and know that hundreds of other saints prayed for me too. I cherished the gift of each new day as I contemplated the enormity of my situation. And I praised God for the surgeons and medical care that could give me more time on earth with my family and friends. When the shepherds heard the angelic proclamation of Jesus’ birth, they raced to the manger to see Jesus. They told Mary and Joseph about what they had seen in the fields. Mary treasured their comments and stored them in her heart (Luke 2:19). The shepherds didn’t bring fancy gifts to Jesus. They showed up to encourage his parents, recount the angelic testimony, and to dwell with their Savior. You might say that they brought joy to a cramped stable. Isn’t it ironic that we can name the gifts of the Magi, but we don’t focus on the important gifts of the shepherds? Surgery is a great excuse to be behind on Christmas shopping, but after being in the hospital at Christmastime, 3

I saw that the true gifts God gives us cannot be wrapped in paper and bows. If you’re behind in your shopping or if you’re feeling overwhelmed with holiday happenings, remember the gifts the shepherds gave to Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the citizens of Bethlehem. •

Abide with people

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Be joyous

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Speak encouraging words

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Praise God

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Share your testimony

Those ecstatic, effervescent shepherds in the gospel of Luke gave the best Christmas gifts. We have the wonderful gift of a Savior and breath in our lungs to praise Him every day. In the hustle and bustle of the season, may we race like those shepherds toward our Bibles, to church, to share the Gospel, and to the places God destined us to be. Even if that place is a hospital in December. Reflect:

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Has the hustle and bustle of Christmas taken your eyes off Jesus? What is something you can do each day to truly focus on your Savior?

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Can you think of someone who needs a simple gift? Pray for that special someone. If you have time, send them a card or bake them a Christmas treat.

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What is one gift that you can stop and thank Jesus for at this moment? Even if it is one that is strengthening your faith?

Pray:

Thank You, Father, for giving me Your Son. Thank You for a Savior that fully lived, fully loved, and gave His life so that I can have eternal life with You. Strengthen me during this busy season and help me keep Christ as my focus this Christmas. Encourage me to revel in the precious gift of Jesus. May I have the excitement and joy of those lowly shepherds who ran to see Jesus, leaving their earthly possessions behind. Glory to God in the highest! Amen. 4

Asking For Joy By Laura Sandretti Read: Romans 5:13

Every Christmas as I gaze on beautiful ornaments, read sentimental cards, and listen to old familiar songs, I want so much to experience the joy of the season. However, I struggle so much to experience it. Why can’t I find this joy? I long to be filled with wonder, but instead I default to whining. I’ve tried choosing joy, memorizing Scripture, and posting upbeat reminders to re-orient my seemingly hard-wired negativity—but to no avail. The only thing worse than my inability to be joyful is the guilt that plagues me when I forget or flat out refuse to be merry. So, this year—I’ve stopped trying. Since I haven’t been able to master, model, or muster up joy in my five decades of living, I’ve decided to ask God to do what I seem incapable of doing myself. I’m praying for His joy and have abandoned mustering it up on my own. I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, but like the father in Mark 9, I need help overcoming my unbelief. I know Scripture says the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of me, but I struggle to understand what this looks like in my joy-less heart. However, I’ve followed Jesus long enough to know I don’t need to fully understand God’s Word for it to be true. I need faith to ask the Lord for the joy He desires me to experience and leave it in His hands. How does asking God for joy help rather than trying so hard to find it myself? I’m not sure. However, I’ve noticed since I’ve stopped striving, I’ve been able to see how God’s love isn’t dependent on whether I’m studying Scripture, serving others, or just taking a nap. I’ve been able to focus less on myself and to trust in God’s love and presence more. While taking a walk, I was able to quiet my mind about so many pressing matters and find joy in God’s beautiful creation. While reading my Bible, I’m looking for all the glimpses of God’s love and 5

presence, rather than focusing on what I can learn—and this is bringing me joy! Joy isn’t a feeling of merriment or happiness, but of a sense of peace and hope as we rest in our faith. As Paul says in Romans 5:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” I’m continually reminded that experiencing Christ’s love and peace isn’t contingent on what I do. Focusing on this fills me with joy overflowing as Christ’s love and grace isn’t contingent upon me.

This Christmas, ask God for His joy and expectantly wait to see what He brings. Reflect: •

Is it difficult for you to believe that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of you (Romans 8:11)? Ask God for faith to believe this is true.

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Have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s power and joy in your struggles? Ask for His power to be revealed in your life.

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Do you read the Bible to find out how you should behave or to find God and His love? Try reading to learn more about God’s character and His love for you and see if this brings you more joy.

Pray: Dear Father, thank You for helping me strive less and surrender more. As I trust You more, and less in my efforts, may I experience the grace and acceptance You lavish on me. Help me to experience more of Your joy this season. Not because I’m trying harder, but because I’m finding it in the only place real joy is found—in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Still Expectant By Karaline Huenink Read: Luke 1:26-38

A baby changes everything. As a young couple expecting our first child, immediately life began to look differently. Even before the baby was born, our child reordered our lives. Our new baby reordered our time—no longer spent on leisurely dinners out or quiet mornings before church, but now revolving around naps, bedtimes, and feeding schedules. Our new baby reordered our finances, prioritizing diapers, tiny shoes, and any new gadget or book that would help bring some sleep to our home! This new baby reordered our thoughts as well, no longer being so focused on ourselves but shifting to meet the needs and well-being of this new child in our care. Our baby changed everything! As Mary and Joseph realized they were expecting a child, I imagine their lives were reordered as well. At first, the news of this baby must have thrust them into the difficult decision of even becoming husband and wife. Can you imagine the turmoil they must have felt? And later, after the angel Gabriel reassured them of God’s plan, they reordered their life to make room for the Holy One, the Son of God. While they weren’t clipping diaper coupons like we do now, they were making the practical preparations to welcome a baby and making room in their hearts for this Promised One. While we may not be expecting a baby in our family this season, as the family of God, we are still expectant. This Christmas season, we can allow our hearts to prepare Him room. We must let this baby, this long-expected King, be allowed to make changes in every area of our lives as well. Now that Jesus is here, our time, finances, thoughts, and every facet of our lives are open for Him to change! Our time is no longer in service to us, but in service to Him. Our money and possessions are His. We can let our thoughts be subject to His will and not our own. This brings me so much joy! And this Christmas season, our traditions, gifts, and time can all revolve around this baby, our long-awaited King of Kings. How will this baby change your life? As we wait with expectant hearts for this child, may we answer as Mary did so many years ago, “I am the Lord’s servant… may your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). 7

“ Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free From our fears and sins release us Let us find our rest in Thee Israel’s strength and consolation Hope of all the earth Thou art Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart ” ;

;

Reflect:

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How are you letting Jesus reorder your life this Christmas season?

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How has your life changed since welcoming Jesus into your heart? In what areas of your life are you serving Him?

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How has Christ’s coming brought hope to you? In what ways has this brought joy into your heart?

Pray:

Lord, my Father and my Savior, thank You for the gift of a baby, Your Son, who is our long-expected King. I confess my life doesn’t revolve around You like it should. You alone know my heart. Show me where my life needs reordering this season and let this baby change everything in how I walk through this Christmastime with joy. With an expectant heart I pray, Amen.

Hope Sings Low By Jamie Santana

Read Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; Zephaniah 3:17

Hope is rising, feel the stir, Through sadness and silence, its whisper lures. Ever so faint, and seldom heard, A quiet pulse through all endured. “Perseverance,” they say, “the way of the saints,” Plodding in darkness, light is faint. When living has all but lost its glow, Still the breath of Hope sings low. A single note of purest Love, “Push through the night, my morning dove.” Music will be played tomorrow, A joyful release from yesterday’s sorrow.

The promise of tomorrow. Has that begun to feel like a cruel taunt? For those of us who have endured suffering for an extended period of time, hope can feel like a wound whose scab keeps getting ripped off. I wrote this poem when I was going through a very dark season; I just wanted hope to die. It hurt too much to hope and yet there was this seed of hope in me that refused to die. It was tormenting. The low hum of hope played like a bass line through a cacophony of dissonance. Maybe you can relate to this during this Christmas season. God’s timing can feel painfully slow. In Isaiah 9:2, 700 years before Jesus’ arrival on the earth, this declaration was made to the Israelites, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” And a few verses later, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).” To a nation headed into captivity, this had to be the best news ever. A Savior who would shine light on them and release them from foreign rule! Little did the original hearers know that it was their great grandchildren many times over who would see this prophecy fulfilled. And even so, not in the ways they had probably anticipated. The freedom He declared reached much further than temporary relief from physical captivity—He declared freedom for souls and permanent healing from all kinds of pain. His light would pierce every inch of darkness in human existence and bring joy to the world. But this would be the long game. His timeline would not be subject to any person’s demands or expectations. Jesus would suffer in His earthly life and become acquainted with sorrow and familiar with grief. Ultimately, He would die, taking on all the darkness, sin, and shame of every single human being. There came a point when I felt the Spirit ask me to release my seed of hope to the Father—to let Him take this too. I didn’t know what He would do with it, but He had earned my trust. Seeds of hope are kept safe in the Father’s hands and a wellspring of joy will be sure to follow. He knows how to protect them through the coldest winters and the darkest nights. I released my seed of hope, and He held it safe for me until the time was right and He carefully planted that seed in rich soil, a blessed joyful release of my sorrow. If you are carrying a heavy burden or small seed of hope this Christmas, put your hope in the Savior, whose light shines in the darkness, and whose arrival brought great joy to the world. May your seed be planted in His rich soil and bear fruit in the perfect season. 10

Reflect: •

Where has hope turned into pain in your life? Describe and name it.

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Tell God about it—all of it. Allow yourself time to listen to what the Father has to say to you about it.

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What is God inviting you to do with your seed of hope? Ask Him to reveal this to you.

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How can you experience joy in releasing your sorrow?

Pray: Father, hope can be so painful. Waiting to see Your promises fulfilled can feel like trying to put a lock on the wind. Jesus, thank You that You know pain and have suffered as a man. You relate to me in every way possible. Please sing the songs of joy my heart needs to hear until my seed of hope grows into a full-fledged tree bearing fruit in its season. May the shade of Your presence shield me from the scorching heat of this world. I choose to trust Your timing. Bring me the joy that only You can give. Amen.

The Transforming Gift By Laurie Pluimer

Read: Isaiah 9:2; Luke 2:11-14; 7:20-22

My little feet wriggled excitedly as I laid in bed that snowy Christmas Eve forty years ago. Would I awaken to find those shiny plastic high heels in my Christmas stocking? I first saw those little shoes while grocery shopping with my mom a month earlier. They hung inconspicuously in the toy aisle, ignored and a bit dusty. Barely seen by hurried shoppers checking off the items on their crinkled grocery lists I, however, paused, tracing the cardboard package and marveling at the wonder of owning such extravagance. I imagined how beautiful I would be wearing them, my mousy cropped hair flowing out behind me in golden cascades, my petite stature now tall and regal. I was transformed and filled with longing for those plastic high heels. Now, the night before Christmas, they remained the only wish on my Christmas list. My restless feet could wait no longer. The silence whispered to me that everyone was asleep, so I tiptoed out of my bedroom and into the dark living room. My breath caught as my eyes rested on the moonbeam shining across the carpeted floor— there glimmered, my beautiful high heels! My bare little feet slid into the hard plastic, and I walked round and round the living room, overcome with joy and transformed by the love those shoes embodied. Gifts can be powerful. They have the potential to transform us by pointing to the greatest gift given to mankind—Jesus. He came in a humble way, swaddled in cloth, and laid in a dusty trough. Overlooked by passersby in a hurry to find lodging during a chaotic government census. Some, however, paused and saw the extravagance of the Gift. How could they miss it with the heavenly host proclaiming it? Jesus, the embodiment of love, the Gift of gifts, had arrived. This Good News of great joy, that would transform our ugly world into the brilliance of a precious jewel, now dwelt among us. The Light of lights, who would turn our darkness into dawn and give sight to the blind, sound to the deaf, and life to the dead—now gave meaning to all gifts. The long-awaited Messiah, our perfect Righteousness, who would give His life as a 12

ransom for ours, had finally appeared. Have you beheld the joy of this transforming Gift? It is yours to receive!

Glory to God, the greatest Gift-giver, the greatest Gift! Reflect:

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What are the most memorable gifts you have received? How did you feel when you received them?

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How can getting/giving gifts point us to the greatest Gift and give us joy? Do you have any traditions that highlight this?

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Write a letter to someone who gave you a special gift and tell them how much joy their act of love gave you.

Pray:

Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of Yourself. May I be transformed by Your saving grace and healing power. Help me to look to You as the perfect Gift and to spend time in thanksgiving for the joy Your good gifts have given me. Help me to bless others with the gift of Your Good News of great joy this Christmas season. Amen.

Riches for Rags By Laura Denooyer-Moore

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 2:14

This may sound disturbing—the cradle finds meaning in the cross. The Word became flesh, but only to die—our sin exchanged for God’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). But that journey began at the cradle when Jesus exchanged the riches of heaven for earth’s rags. For many years, December was a rough month for our family. The weeks before Christmas marked a skid into the Yuletide season rather than a peaceful and joyful contemplation of Advent. The anticipation of an annual January crisis entwined our holiday tradition, including ER visits on Christmas Eve. Inadvertently, we traded tinsel for terror, mistletoe for mayhem, fa-la-la-la-la for fear, and carolers for chaos. Who had time to think about Christmas? Much less ponder its true meaning or experience its joy. Yet, the original Christmas was no less chaotic. For angels to sing “Peace on Earth,” Jesus had to leave behind the peace of heaven. He stepped into a place of pain, calamity, and tribulation. He traded the joys of His heavenly home for the sorrows of humanity, beauty for brokenness, and honor for shame. He gave up safety and security for a world of sin and strife. He forfeited purity for the poverty of sin-stained souls. Imagine—one day surrounded by the warm Light of heaven, the next moment taking your first earthly breath next to cow dung while shivering in the cold, dark night. By entering the human race via humble Bethlehem, Jesus embraced sleepless nights, illness, aching bones, and throbbing thumbs from errant hammers in Joseph’s carpentry shop. Besides physical hardships, during His thirty-three earthbound years, He endured emotional challenges: sibling rivalries, unmet expectations, the angst of misjudgment and rejection, the loss of friends. This was merely preface to His spiritual anguish on the cross—God’s wrath pouring on Him, God’s face turning away—in 14

exchange for our joyful adoption as God’s children. He knows our infirmities because He experienced them Himself. Firsthand—at the core of His humanity. So, no matter how difficult the Christmas season might be for you, from family discord to grief and heartache, we worship a Savior who traded everything good for our own good. He exchanged heaven’s pleasures for the divine appointment to meet the lowly ones in whom God takes pleasure (Luke 2:14). He brought great joy to our world, at His expense. His favor rests on all who lean on Him. The broken and messy ones who are at wit’s end along with those who are flourishing. The ones encumbered by sin, who can barely hold their heads up and are squashed by daily strife; along with those who’ve experienced victory in the midst of strife. For all who have put their hope and trust in Him.

For this Jesus came. Emmanuel, God with us. Glory to God in the Highest! Reflect:

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When you’re overwhelmed by life’s challenges, make a list of things Jesus left behind in heaven to come here. What do you think He missed the most?

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Where do you feel the most broken? What human experiences did Jesus have that assures you He identifies with you?

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Consider God’s favor upon you—not based on anything you’ve done, but because God wants to lavish His love on you as His child. During Advent, how can you find joy as you focus on this gift He’s given to you?

Pray:

Father, thank You for Jesus, the perfect Savior who exchanged the glory of Heaven for the shadows of Earth. The One who took off robes of righteousness to place on me, the One who clothed Himself in my sinful rags. Thank You for entering the chaos, the brokenness, the messiness of my life. May that reality alone bring me enduring joy. Thank You for Your lavish love and favor—not based on anything I’ve done. Help me to experience true joy in You this Christmas, even in midst of the sorrows. Amen. 15

Where Do You Find Rest? By Karaline Huenink Read: Matthew 11:28-30

Friend to friend, I must admit that at the end of a long day, the only thing I really want to do is lie in bed and scroll my phone. By the time I put my sweet, exhausting children to bed, all my well-intended plans to fold the laundry, wrap every gift, and address all the Christmas cards has gone out the window! All I want to do is look at my phone. I whisper to myself, “I just need to rest.” But lately, I’ve been convicted of this habit. Is this really peace and rest? Or is this a distraction? Does this bring me joy? And if scrolling my phone is restful, why do I feel so, so tired? Our God promises us true rest. He sent His Son, Immanuel, to be present with us; He calls us, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Jesus, our great Shepherd, beckons us—His sheep—to put our feet up, and lie down in a warm, sunny spot, and rest in Him. He guides us in our work and provides protection and peace. We don’t have to strive and cross everything off our Christmas list this year! More importantly, we don’t have to mindlessly rest in the things of this world. It’s so tempting for me to rest in the promise of perfectly wrapped presents piled under the tree, or the beautifully addressed cards stamped and ready to mail. Don’t wait for all the tasks to be completed before taking a deep breath and slowing down, this is what I’m learning to do. Instead of putting your feet up when the tasks are finally finished, or falling into bed exhausted to scroll your phone, try putting your head down and your hands together. Listen to God, let Him speak to you. You will find the rest and peace you need in Him. So, what are you resting in? Even in the weariness and burdens of the season, true rest is available. We can experience the “well-spring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest!” expressed in the well-loved hymn. I’m finding when my heart is focused on Jesus and His Word, I’m rested, joyful, and ready to celebrate His birth—I hope you’ll be ready too! 16

Reflect: •

What is distracting you this Christmas season? Where do you usually turn to for rest?

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How can you specifically focus on resting in God today? Where do you find your joy? How can rest in Jesus be related to joy in Him?

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What Scripture verses can you look to this Advent season to keep your focus on Christ?

Pray: Father, God, thank You for Your promise of rest for my weary soul. You know what distracts me and tires me out, especially this time of year. Will You still my soul and lead me to your joyful rest? Amongst all the things I could be doing this season, help me get into Your Holy Word. Convict me of the things that distract me and fill my heart with joy and peace as I rest in You. Amen.

Joy to the World! By Lisa Elliott Read: Luke 2:8-18

Have you ever received news that you had a hard time keeping to yourself? Perhaps some exciting event, a surprise party for someone you love, or a long-awaited answer to prayer that has finally come to fruition? I imagine that’s what receiving the birth announcement of Christ must have felt like for the shepherds on that holy night long ago! Let’s picture the scene together. There they are, abiding in their fields, minding their own business, doing their mundane job of shepherding their flocks—when suddenly the entire sky lit up in an extraordinarily, extraterrestrial way! No wonder the first thing the angel said to them was not to fear! What a night it must have been for these lowly shepherds. A night like never before. And one they’d surely never forget. So impactful was the glory of the Lord that shone round about them that they couldn’t contain themselves! Much less keep the message that was delivered to them to themselves. I’m not sure the shepherds could have kept it to themselves if they tried! They were bursting at the seams! Jesus, the long-awaited Christ child was born! What a story to tell the nations. Like the shepherds of long ago we, too, have a story to tell. This same Good News will undoubtedly cause great joy to all people. It has the potential to light up the world in these dark days. That’s because there is no greater joy than sharing the Good News of the Gospel with others. It was never intended to be kept to ourselves. It is the gift of eternal life, wrapped up in a beautiful package of hope, peace, and joy to the world. Let this be your gift to someone this Christmas. As God fills you with His overflowing joy, look for opportunities to share His story. Joy comes to us when we give it away! It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35).

Joy to the world! 18

Reflect:

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The Christmas chorus says, “Joy to the world the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing.” Have you received the King?

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How will you prepare room for Him in your heart?

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Who will you share the joy of the Good News of Jesus’ birth and the hope of His second coming with this Christmas?

Pray:

Lord, I praise Your holy name and thank You for Your gift of eternal life. It holds the power of life, not only here on earth, but for the life yet to come in heaven with You. Such great news is this that I dare not keep it to myself. Thank You, Lord, for the opportunities You give me to share the joy of Jesus with others. It’s in Jesus’ precious name that I pray. Amen.

Good Tidings of Great Joy By Shelly Esser Read: Luke 2:8-14

I grew up watching A Charlie Brown Christmas TV movie every year (I know that dates me!). Charlie Brown frustratingly yells, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus asks for the lights to go up on the stage and says, “I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” Still burned in my memory is Linus, blankie in hand, passionately reciting Luke 2:10-14: “And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger… Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’” (KJV). “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!” Linus says matter-of-factly, before pushing his thumb back in his mouth. What a holy moment. For everyone watching out there in TV land, everything just stood still. I must admit a tear slid down my face when Linus read that part of the Christmas story. The holiness of that sacred reading stopped you in your tracks, putting a laser focus on the meaning of the season. Even Charlie Brown finally got it! A kids Christmas show reminded the watching world once again of the most joyful tidings ever told. And it wasn’t just for me, but for “all people”—every man and woman, and boy and girl—from every tribe and nation on the earth. That should change the way all of us go into the Christmas season. There is a lost world—including many of our own family and friends—who need to hear about the good tidings of great joy of Christmas. That is something to celebrate! God is not just bringing us tidings of joy, but great joy. What a great joy to be saved from our sins. What a great joy it is to have a Savior born as God’s greatest expression of His love for us. This baby, this Savior, was God’s greatest gift to the world not only at Christmastime, but every day of the year. 20

This great joy should not be left on the doorstep of our annual Christmas celebrations or put away when the decorations are taken down and boxes stored away. No, the angels brought tidings of great joy that is available to us every single day, in every single place, for every single person for all time. The “good tidings of great joy” that Christmas brings should spill over into our lives pointing the way for others to find the Savior. There should be a joy that characterizes the way we live our lives. Have you lost your joy this past year? Go back, as many times as you need to, to the baby wrapped in “swaddling clothes, lying in a manger”—for you! It is there that you will find not only joy, but great joy. And as you do, don’t forget to tell the world, like Linus, “That’s what Christmas is all about!” Reflect:

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How can you make sure that this babe lying in a manger becomes more than just a recitation of an all-too-familiar story, where you don’t stop to take in the wonder of it all?

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How can you weave the “tidings of great joy” throughout your Christmas gatherings and celebrations?

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Who are the Charlie Browns in your life? How can you be bringing “good tidings of great joy” to them this Christmas season? Begin praying for them and for opportunities to tell them about the Good News.

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In what ways can you let the “tidings of great joy” change your lives all year round?

Pray:

Lord, what a gift You gave us that first Christmas. When the angels came to the shepherds to share the Good News that would bring joy to all people, this world was forever changed—my life was forever changed. Thank You for the great joy that is mine because of Your great gift. May I go through this Christmas season mindful of the Charlie Browns in my life who need to hear what Christmas is all about. Give me courage, like Linus, and may the “good tidings of great joy” be evident in the way I live my life, not only this Christmas season, but all year ‘round. May I never cease to forget the joy that is mine because of the “babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” What an indescribable gift. Thank You for the great joy of my salvation. Amen.

Divinity Wrapped in a Blanket By Jill Briscoe Divinity wrapped in a blanket, Laid in the arms of the race, Slept while His Father kept silent, Watching with tears on His face. The godhead resides in a body, So weak and incredibly small, While angels bereft of their treasure, Try to make sense of it all. Divinity wrapped in a baby. How simple, yet simply profound, Like the kings and the shepherds I worship, And bow myself down to the ground. Infinity chose to be finite, Omniscience made Himself known, Omnipotence laid down His power, Emmanuel made my heart home, Unspeakable gift, softly spoken, Unimaginable love made so clear, Immeasurable grace of the Father, Bringing us all nations so near. Divinity wrapped in a blanket, Eternity visiting time, Stopped all the clocks in the heavens, As God chose to make Himself mine. Jill Briscoe © 2000