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Our family fireplace is unusable this time of year. Hanging from the mantle, and too close to the fire, are stockings for each member of our family. This year we add a stocking for our newest grandson, Nolan.
I think my wife, Janice, enjoys buying stocking stuffers more than anything else. We've had clown noses, magic wands and candy galore fill our stockings. Opening the gifts in our stockings is a time of laughter and pictures in our pajamas.
Joy is a gift of Christmas.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11 English Standard Version
Christmas reminds us that joy is not something we conjure up, create or manufacture. It is a gift that God hands to us when he places his Son in manger. Joy is the gift that God gives us when he draws us into his presence through this gift of his Son.
There are many things that will rob us of joy. Family strife, unsatisfying work and battles with depression are a few aspects of life that would plunder us of joy.
The gift of joy transcends life experiences and is rooted in God, not in us. That's why it's a gift. It is a gift that God once again pours upon his people when we hear the words that a Savior has been born, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
Join the conversation at Praying With the Eyes on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/173881749421231/
I think my wife, Janice, enjoys buying stocking stuffers more than anything else. We've had clown noses, magic wands and candy galore fill our stockings. Opening the gifts in our stockings is a time of laughter and pictures in our pajamas.
Joy is a gift of Christmas.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11 English Standard Version
Christmas reminds us that joy is not something we conjure up, create or manufacture. It is a gift that God hands to us when he places his Son in manger. Joy is the gift that God gives us when he draws us into his presence through this gift of his Son.
There are many things that will rob us of joy. Family strife, unsatisfying work and battles with depression are a few aspects of life that would plunder us of joy.
The gift of joy transcends life experiences and is rooted in God, not in us. That's why it's a gift. It is a gift that God once again pours upon his people when we hear the words that a Savior has been born, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
Join the conversation at Praying With the Eyes on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/173881749421231/
(Click on picture to enlarge.)
Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2013 Douglas P. Brauner. ARR.
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