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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