“Joy to the World, the Savior reigns

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee

God of glory, Lord of love”

–‘Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful) by Shane & Shane

As I got ready for church this Sunday, I popped on a devotional that I missed on Christmas Day, and I was blessed with not only a wonderful message but a new favorite song! If you are reading the lyrics above and are thinking, “Isn’t that two different songs?!?” You’re right! I would never have thought to put the two together myself. One makes me think of Christmas, of course (Joy to the World), and the other makes me want to rewatch ‘Sister Act’ 😄(I can’t be the only one that LOVES that soundtrack!) Two messages from God in songs that alone are wonderful, but combined in a unique way become even more powerful! 

As Christmas time draws to its ‘end’ again this year, I am joyful of what God has done for us all that we were given the most loving gift of all, God’s sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, for us and our sins so that we may be free and have a deeper relationship with God. I catch myself thinking, ‘this is truly amazing, now what? How can I draw near to God as the next year is about to start?’ I start to plan out and map things I want to do, including bible studies, ways to share the Gospel through my writing, ways to spread God’s love to people I encounter daily…the list kinda goes on from here! 

As the list starts to get long, I have to slow myself down a bit by turning to God. I take all my plans to God to find out which ones align with His plan for me and which may possibly steer me away from God. Through this crazy, chaotic planning, I am excited, and I pop open my bible to find a verse to connect with. I land on Lamentations of all places. I know, don’t run away just yet, it’s a good one! In Lamentations 3:22-23, I find hope. I am beyond grateful for the gift God has given me through His Son, Jesus Christ, and I am excited for the hope that it brings with it.

JOY! God, that word alone, with three seemingly little letters, says it all. I am packed with joy, still celebrating in my own way Christmas, the birth of Your Son, Jesus. As I start to think of ways to grow closer to You and how to help others do the same, help anchor me to You, God. I pray that you help me truly keep the Christmas joy in my heart beyond December 25th. I pray for everyone reading this today, too, God, that they may feel the joy you have for them, too. It is in Your Son’s name I pray, Amen. 

See ya in the next post, with

✝️Lots of Faith & Lil’ Bit of Fur 🐾