great joy

Wednesday, December 19, 2018 (6:24 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Sleep happened. Off and on through much of the night. And earlier this morning.

(7:14 a.m.)

With the breaks between being awake and asleep there were a lot of thoughts. Wonders. Reading. And reminders. The best for me? Luke 2:10. The Voice, “Messenger: Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere.”

Important stuff here. A reassuring angel. The call to pay attention. An announcement of Good News and great joy for everyone. Holy God, it is Your great joy I long to experience. Thank You for this opportunity.

This Season of Advent has been wonderfully exciting for me. One like none before. Truly I struggled to hope that first week. Followed by seven days of forsaking all and trusting You [faith]. And now, a week of joy. Great joy. Yes, please!

The Life Recovery Bible comment for this section tells us, “2:8-12 Encounters with the living God inevitably elicit fear. The angels reassured the shepherds: ‘Don’t be afraid!’” Because the shepherds believed what they were told, they “realized that God accepted them and wanted to communicate with them, they were free to worship the Christ child.”

Good News. Great joy!

“Jesus’ coming in the flesh reassures us that our holy and almighty God is a personal God. God is with us and for us. We need not fear the unknown future or the all-too-familiar past. When we put our faith in the living God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, His perfect love expels all fear (see 1 John 4:18).”

Good News. Great joy. Perfect love. Advent. "A time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming." Hope. Faith. Joy. Great joy. Thank You Father.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(337 words ~ 8:09 a.m.)