Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
let ev’ry heart prepare him room
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

Joy to the World, verse 1

Do you have a junk drawer?  It’s a drawer, usually in a kitchen, containing various odds and ends.  Here’s an incomplete inventory of my family junk drawer: pens, teacher notes, charging cables, stickers, and a box cutter.  I could not even get the drawer all the way open because of a renegade cardboard pizza coupon that was hung up on the inside lip of the counter.  It is a place of disorder, yet I find it hard to clean it out.  Until I need to put something else in-then, sacrifices are made.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, but that joy is contingent on the receiver.  God freely gives joy to the world in the birth of King Jesus.  The gift exists and is offered, but a gift only fulfills its purpose if it is received. The gift of joy can only be received if there is room prepared for the gift. If someone wanted to gift us a new couch, we would have to get rid of the old one to make room.  When joy is offered, we must let go of the junk that prevents us from experiencing joy.

Unfortunately, we develop attachments to things that prevent our joy.  An old grudge with that co-worker or an overwhelming desire for something you may never have.  Those hindrances are called bitterness and entitlement, and they are just two.  The more you release those roadblocks, the more room there is for joy.  

The angels announced to the shepherds,  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. When we let joy in, heaven and nature sing.  We rejoice because we found what we always longed for.

You have to clear space in your heart for the joy to enter in.

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The Oxford dictionary defines joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. Many things in life can bring us great joy. Depending on each individual this may look different. I get joy when I sit down with a good cup of coffee, hear the laughter of my kids or the sound of crashing waves and sand between my toes, see a beautiful waterfall in the midst of the woods after a hike, and the list goes on. Each of these is a gift from God. (Matthew 7:11)

The two songs we will be diving into this week, almost written a century apart from each other, point to the greatest joy we will ever experience. The joy found in Jesus. The Messiah promised. The fulfillment of prophecy and promises long ago. The Savior of the world came, Jesus who ushered in a new covenant one filled with grace.

In the NIV, the word joy is used 218 different times. The Greek definition of joy is “chara” which means “joy, gladness, a source of joy, extend favor, lean towards, the awareness of God’s grace, joy because of grace.” This kind of joy is a lasting joy. One that does not come based on the right circumstances. It’s a joy we can obtain no matter what is happening in our lives. A joy that James calls us to “consider” regardless of what hardships lay before us. (James 1:2-4)

As we enter into this advent week of joy, I encourage you to let joy lead you by enjoying the good gifts He has given, glorifying Him in those places and embracing the great gift of grace through His Son, Jesus.

Scripture References

James 1:2-4, Nehemiah 8:10, Romans 15:13, Psalm 16:11

Action Step

As we focus this Advent week on joy, start each day in prayer in the awareness of God’s grace, thanking Him for Jesus, and letting joy lead your days.

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Chains shall He break,
for the slave is our brother,
And in His name,
all oppression shall cease

O Holy Night, verse 3b

O Holy Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs. As I listen to the song, I instantly feel peace wash over me. I rest in the words of this song as the truth sung speaks to the depths of my heart. As we focus on verse 3, I can’t help but be filled with joy and gratitude. The truth is that without Jesus we are dead in our trespasses and sin. (Ephesians 2:1) We were people walking without hope, shackled to sin, dead. Jesus came to break the yoke of slavery, so we could be set free. (Galatians 5:1) He gives hope, loosens the chains, and makes us alive again. (Ephesians 2:5)

We can be enslaved by so many things. At some point in our lives, we have likely been under spiritual bondage of some sort; it could be an addiction to alcohol, pornography, or food. Or maybe you are enslaved by material possessions, careers, dreams, media, hobbies, sports or unhealthy relationships. Whatever that bondage was or is, in Jesus, we are set free, no longer enslaved.

How should we walk then? As free people! Jesus overcame sin and death, taking on sin so we could walk victoriously and free. We are no longer under the yoke of slavery. What does a free person walking look like? They walk as sons and daughters who have been set free, sharing  in Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation by telling our freedom stories with others and the gift of Jesus.  Simply put: Jesus has reconciled us, so walk freely as you share your freedom story with others.

Scripture References

Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 72:14, John 8:34-36

Action Step

Are you living as one who is set free? If not, what has enslaved you? Release it to God and ask Him to set you free. Then sit down with a trusted friend who can walk with you into freedom.

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Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

O Holy Night, verse 3a

So, here’s the thing: the imperative to love one another is a pretty loaded command.  Jesus expands on this teaching throughout the gospels and specifically stipulates that this includes both people who are easy and hard to love.  Not only are we to love our enemies, but we are to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:43-44; Luke 6:32-35). 

Ugh. 

This is something I rarely want to do, but it is exactly what Christ did.  If I desire to be more Christlike and walk in obedience, then I must resolve to do the same.  Ideally, in time and the more time I spend in His presence, God will align my heart to my thoughts and actions from the inside so that praying for those whom I’m up against just becomes a part of my core identity and not something which merely checks a box.  Don’t get me wrong though, if your thoughts and heart aren’t totally aligned yet, do not let that preclude you from taking action and praying for your persecutors anyway. 

We see above that “in His name all oppression will cease.”  Notice the part that says In His name…  From Scripture we know that whatever we ask in his name, will come to pass (John 14:13-14; John 15:16). This is great news for God’s plans and desires for us! When we struggle to love those above and beyond who are easy to love, we can prayerfully petition in Jesus’ name and excitedly anticipate that God will, in fact, help us to more broadly and inclusively love one another.

Scripture References

John 13:34; Philippians 4:13

Action Step

Using Christ as your model, take a leap of faith, and act in loving kindness to someone whom you’d rather not.  If you are really struggling, ask God to help you in Jesus’ name.  Repeat as necessary!

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The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend.
He knows our need— to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!

O Holy Night, verse 2b

Have you ever heard a conversation like this: 

Person A: “Are you sure you can snowboard down this mountain blindfolded?

Person B:  “Are you kidding? I was born for this!” 

My guess is you have not heard that exact conversation, but people can be so confident when they are doing something they have enjoyed doing for a long time.  On a deeper level, when we see people moving in ways that they are uniquely gifted to, it is a sight to behold.

A few years ago, I was in the hospital after a snowboarding accident. Since I live in a small town, it was not surprising that my nurse was somebody who attended our 20-somethings Bible Study group.  I had just come out of major surgery on my leg, and I was in a lot of pain and in and out of consciousness all night.  I don’t remember much except the mercy and care I received that night from Jen.  Cooling cloths on my forehead, gentle words, and earnest bedside prayers when her evening rounds brought her to my bedside.  It was just amazing to be cared for by someone with natural gifts for mercy and compassion.

Hebrews 2:14 says, “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil”

Jesus is born to experience life with us, so he knows how to free us from our weaknesses.  His birth and, ultimately, his death is exactly what we need.  The gift of the Christ child is laid before us, and all we need to do is bend a knee.

Scripture References

John 3:16 Hebrews 2:14

Action Step

What are some things you feel you were born to do? How does your understanding of this help you understand the mission of Jesus?

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Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle, we stand.

O Holy Night, verse 2a

We are constantly being led by something. In a consumer culture, we are constantly consuming information. It’s readily available at our fingertips. When I was little my mom would always say “input, output…what goes in is what comes out”. This idea is that whatever we consume, essentially will consume us. Our thoughts, our speech, our hearts, our mind, and our souls.

For example, if we consume too much social media, it has been shown scientifically to produce insecurity and fear, leading to depression and anxiety. If we consume a large amount of television news, it has been shown to have the same results as social media. Too much of either, social media or the news, can be a breeding ground for fear. In the same respect, if we spend time in the Word of God, prayer, praise, the fellowship of other believers, and thanksgiving it has been shown to cultivate a heart of love and security in Christ which leads to faith, peace, and joy.

Matthew 12:34b says, “for the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” We are connected by mind, body, and soul. Whatever we consume too much of will lead us in every aspect. What we input; we will output. What we consume will lead us.

I love this quote from Pastor Craig Groeschel: “Our life is always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. Most of life’s battles are won or lost in the mind.” 2 Corinthians 10:5, calls us to “take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.” An active call to do just as Colossians 3:2 says “to set out mind on things above.” When we do His perfect love casts out all fears. We are then led by love and able to “approach His cradle with glowing hearts led by the light of faith”.

Scripture References

1 John 4:18, 2 Corinthians 2:5, Colossians 3:2, Isaiah 26:3

Action Step

Reflect: What things are consuming you? What are you inputting the most, as a result, what are you outputting? What changes do you need to make so you are led by faith and love?

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A thrill of hope- the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

O Holy Night, verse 1b

The Oxford dictionary tells us the word “kneel” is a verb, or action word, which means to “be in or assume a position in which the body is supported by a knee or the knees, as when praying or showing submission.”  Such a posture humbly re-orients our bodies so that we are beneath something or someone else with greater authority than ourselves. 

Because God loved us so completely (God Himself is love), He has gifted us with free will.  We are free to return that love to Him or not.  Where would beauty be if God’s creations were all blindly compelled into submission and loyalty?  If we were forced to bow down as the royal subjects were to do with King Nebuchadnezzar and the golden statue in Daniel 3?  That is not the type of devotion our God wants from us.  He loves us far too much.  He desires that our devoted hearts willingly choose to love Him back in adoration; awe; and, yes, voluntary submission.

A leper, synagogue official, Simon Peter, and others fell at their knees in the presence of Jesus (Matthew 8:2, 9:18; Luke 5:8).  They understood who was in front of them and the reverence due to that person. That they each “fell” to their knees implies that they couldn’t help it.  The action was an impulsive reflex of sorts, out of response to the glory that stood before them.  They didn’t place themselves in a kneeling position as we might do when practicing yoga, playing with children, or fixing a leaky pipe.  They fell, and in no lesser ways should we respond after contemplating His vast love for us.  After all, God created a son so He could later be sacrificed to save us.  That is love. That alone should make us fall to our knees in worship and reciprocating love.

Scripture References

Philippians 2:10; 1 John 4:19

Action Step

Today, on your knees if you are able, spend a few minutes just worshiping our God.  Don’t ask Him for anything at this time.  Worship who He is and spend quiet time with just Him. 

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 O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

O Holy Night, verse 1

Let’s start our time together with a short exercise.  Take a moment to finish this sentence:

If only…. 

So how did you answer it?  There are myriad ways to fill in that blank, and each is unique and nuanced to your situation but surprisingly common among your fellow humans.  We share the idea that things could always be better.  Our current situation is not the end but simply a point from which things could change.  This is theological and is deeply rooted in the sinful nature of humanity. It’s a longing for wholeness that is felt to the very core of our being.  

Psalm 84:2 says, “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” That word “yearn” is soul-wrenching.  Whenever I read it, I feel a pulling in my chest, crying out for something more.  As we navigate life, we observe so many loveless actions, and in our depths, our soul cries out for the living God.  We want something or someone to love in such a powerful way that it brings us to life and fulfills our hopes.

The unmatchable love of God does this.  As that baby is born in the straw, it signals that the time of “pining,”  the time of “yearning,” is over.  The soul felt its worth in the advent of Jesus.  The Apostle Paul drives this home by saying, “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive.”

Our souls are infinitely valuable to God; Jesus’ incarnation, death, and resurrection prove that.  He has proven repeatedly that he will do whatever it takes to help your soul feel its worth.

Scripture References

Psalm 84:2 1 Corinthians 15:22

Action Step

Bring your “If only…” to God today. Make time to let your soul rest in the truth that Jesus’ birth brings life-giving love.

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Today, we light the Candle of Love. God is love, and He loves us completely; flaws and imperfections included.  We need not do anything to earn this love; we need only to accept it! How can we know this for sure?  Christmas and Easter are proof, both occasions perfectly complementing one another to reinforce God’s perfect love for us and His desire for us to enter into a personal relationship with him for all of eternity.  

This week we will continue to focus on love as we explore the lyrics of the classic Christmas hymn, Oh, Holy Night.  We will delve into many aspects of love this week: God’s love for us, our love for God, and our love for one another. 

For added context, the lyrics for were penned during mid-18th-century France.  After it was created by a poet and a Jewish musician, it was banned in France.  Nonetheless, against all odds, the song made its way overseas where an American abolitionist was a vessel of new life for the controversial hymn. He was particularly taken by the 3rd verse which proclaims equality among humans and chains breaking. As such, due to his efforts and the previously noted notoriety of the hymn, it was revived and sung throughout the world on Christmas Eve. 

Scripture References

Luke 2:7-16;  Matthew 2:1-12; 1 John 4:7

Action Step

Today, open your bible or click here and locate the scriptures above.  As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what God would like you to to know about Him and His character as written in those Scriptures.  Praise Him for what He reveals and that the Holy Spirit revealed it to you!

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Now to the Lord sing praises,
all you within this place,
and in true love and fellowship
each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
is filled with heav’nly grace.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen verse 4

Pause. Prayerfully and slowly reread those verse lyrics one more time. When I read this for the first time, I needed to read the lyrics again because of the depths of what is being sung here. Taking the time to break this down, we see this beautiful call to love God and love others. I love this!

Christmas brings us many opportunities to love God and love others. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Our to-do lists seem to get bigger every year. We are pulled in a million directions, school functions, shopping, baking, family get-togethers, church gatherings… it can be quite overwhelming and honestly lacking peace. Ironically enough during the Christmas season, a season meant to love God and love others as we celebrate love coming down to earth in the form of a baby, it can actually be quite hard to love God and love others well.

 I often remind myself that it’s ok to say no. It’s in saying no that I can give my best yes. I practice the pause before I commit to something. I pray and ask God “is this something you are calling me to?” as I prayerfully make sure I have a margin for this. It’s in the honest surrender of our time to what God is calling us to that we can love God and love others most effectively and well. Operating from a healthy place, that is out of an overflow and is Holy Spirit-led.  

Scripture References

Psalm 90:12, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 22:36-40

Action Step

Take an honest look at your schedule. Are you over-committed? Ask God to give you a heart of wisdom as you trust Him to direct your path.

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