Tidings of Great Joy

"...And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not" for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

I just love Christmas time! This year is no exception. Even better because this year, we have the added joy of welcoming our first Grandchild into our family. I love the decorations, the baking, the traditions, and of course the presents! But this morning as I sat in church and listened to the beautiful music and message, the Lord really impressed upon my heart, that although all of those things are fun and special, you don't need any of them to experience the "joy of Christmas!"

Anyone that knows me well, knows how much I love decorating my house for Christmas. There is not one room that goes "untouched". I love baking and having people over. I love making up plates of cookies to give away to neighbors and community helpers. I love planning and having special parties and programs at church. I love being with my family! These last years have been harder for me as the girls have grown up and are starting lives of their own. Last year it was such a blessing to have Ashley and Lexi back "home" in Manta with us for Christmas. It was the first year for us to be separated from Mandie.

This year, I have missed a lot of the "Christmas traditions" I have always loved so much. I have had the incredible blessing of being able to be here in Korea with Mandie, Mike and Ioan, but I will admit that I have also missed "home" at this time of year. Enjoying the kids here, but in a part of my heart, wishing we could all be together at "home."

This morning as I listened to these verses being read, and thought about the message of Christmas, I realized that I haven't really "missed" Christmas at all! Christmas really is all about...

Good tidings of great joy! God sent his angels to earth to announce the birth of his son and the only people the angels found who had time to listen to the announcement were lowly shepherds out in the field.

"Those who missed His Majesty's arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice; no, they missed it because they simply weren't looking." -Max Lucado

Dear Lord, Please help me to remember that the Joy of Christmas is a choice... It is focusing on you and the Good tidings of great joy! that you sent to us over 2,000 years ago. May I not get so wrapped up in all the "trappings" of Christmas that I forget that it is You and You alone that put the Joy in Christmas.

God Bless you and Merry Christmas!
Joy