Joy

Joy: as defined by http://www.dictionary.com/
1.the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated

Joy as defined by me:
A newborn babies first cry.
The doctor saying "it's a girl" or "it's a boy".
Hot chocolate on a cold day. (sugar free, of course!)
Cold lemonade on a hot day ...made even better while sitting on a front porch swing!
Camping trips complete with songs around the campfire.
The feel of warm sand between my toes while taking a walk on the beach in the early fall.
Hearing the rustling of the leaves on a quiet mountain.
Making it to the top of the mountain.
Making it back down again.
Watching a young child, a teenager, or an older adult step out from the pew and walk to the front of the church to confess their belief in Jesus and make a public profession of their faith.
Hearing "I love you".
Saying "I love you!"
Hearing a big ole "HEY MOM" on the phone!
Watching the night sky while lying on the dock at the lake.
Hearing my three children in another room giggling together.
The Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

But neither dictionary.com nor I can adequately describe the joy that appeared one night over 2000 years ago. Just a babe? No. Just a man. Hardly! God in the flesh. God here on earth. A joy so great that only a heavenly host would do it justice.

Luke 2: 10-13:"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Lord Jesus, I thank you for your arrival here on earth. I thank you that with it you brought hope, peace, joy, and love. I thank you that these gifts of Christmas are still available to those who seek you. Father, help me to remember that these gifts are also mine to share. Help me to deliver them..your hope, your peace, your joy, your love.Praise HIM!