“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10 NIV
Let’s glance into the word “Advent” which literally means “coming toward” and embraces both the Child-King, born in a manger and the Sovereign Lord who will usher in history’s end and the new creation’s beginning. ”
Yes, let us break forth into JOY for we are almost there!
thedailylily.com 
Advent! ” The coming toward” you define above, Sara. There may not be many things we can look forward to with joy in the coming months/year but there is One that we can. The Christmas carol sings, ” A THRILL of hope the WEARY WORLD re-JOY- ces.” When I think of that day…which could be any day, now….when Jesus Christ comes with the clouds in the air to take His children home where ‘we shall ever be with the Lord’….that thought brings the thrill of hope and the thrill of joy to my heart.
So let’s not become weary [like the world] in well-doing, in giving, in sharing with the poor and God’s people in need, in sharing the Gospel with the person at the next desk or room or house but let us “admonish, encourage and exhort one another every day as long as it is called “today” so that when the coming of the Lord for His people…another advent which could be imminent …[though not the last advent] we will be entered into His joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Let’s keep ourselves from idols….. Maranatha…come, Lord Jesus.
“…who will usher in history’s end and the new creation’s beginning. “
These are exciting words. To think soon there will be a new heaven and a new earth and that He will make all things new.
What a promise to focus on and enjoy as we stay in His presences through praise. He inhabits the praises of His people. Not only will we have joy but the fullness of Joy! Now, that’s a heart’s full!
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
(Psalm 16:11, NIV)
Sara, you quoted….”You make known to me the path of life”..I add, ” You are light. In Your light we see light.” May the “lights” of Christmas be His light. May we walk in the light as He is in the light and lead others out of darkness into His marvelous light. That’s the JOY of Christmas and New Year’s and Easter and every day of our lives if we have asked Jesus Christ into our hearts to be our Lord and Savior. Joy unspeakable and full of glory.
J….Jesus
O…Offers
Y….You!
Jesus offers you miracles! I think I got it……
J…oy (Jesus)
O…f
Y…ahweh
Joy……………Jesus offers you! (If only we will embrace it)
I’d like to share a prayer for today’s date in a devotional I picked up by Kenneth Boa with John Allen Turner, “25 Days of Advent”.
“Lord God, you are the sovereign, majestic and transcendent ruler of all things, both visible and invisible, past and present. The angelic hosts of heaven serve you continually to accomplish your perfect will. Break into our lives, interrupt our routines, open our blinded eyes and stir our calloused hearts to reveal how amazing your plan truly is. I recognize that in this life I see so little and know only part. Yet the time is coming when I will see you face to face. The JOY of my salvation is my strength. In your holy name I pray. Amen.”
Did you see Joy on anyone’s face today? Or, did they see Christmas Joy on yours? I believe Joy has a FACE! Maybe I will face time someone today!
Aha, that’s a loaded question for an elementary school teacher. Those little ones…the ones the Lord says to allow to come unto Him…they are full of joy as they distribute their gifts to their beloved teachers Oh, and I did see a teacher or two smile, today. Well, maybe a few more than that but not like the kiddies’ smiles.
Bless the Beasts and the Children goes the song by the Carpenters. Yes, bless thie little joyful hearts.
I saw joy on the face of our school nurse, Debbie Lattus, today as she read the Christmas story from Luke 2 in our weekly early morning school prayer meeting. I also saw joy as she, the main school greeter welcomed each student to school later in the morning.
I saw joy in Christmas cards and thank you notes! Joy to the World, the Lord has come!
I think you are a joy spreader Sara. You have spread so much joy with your truth spoken into peoples lives that will effect them many years ahead. That JOY! Jesus Over You! You do that with each person. Thank you!