Part 1
This time of the year can be so tiring and overwhelming. I spent several hours yesterday out braving the crowds to get the bulk of my shopping done (I also indulged in my favorite, a caramel/ vanilla latte… so it was a good day!). But now I have a laundry room full of boxes and bags that need to be wrapped.
Instead of letting this season takes it’s toll on me, I want to make an effort to find my Savior in this Christmas season. No matter how hard the forces of evil try to take away the power of Christmas they can’t mute how God, our Amazing Creator will reveal Himself to those who are looking!
So I am going to look at some of the symbols of Christmas that speak such a life-giving and hope filled story to us!
The first one is a star.
We see gold and silver stars all over at this time of year, but there was a star that represented such JOY…
Matt 2:9-11
9 After meeting with King Herod the wise men went their way.
Once again the star appeared to them,
guiding them to Bethlehem.
It went ahead of them and stopped
over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Why were they filled with such joy?
These men had studied and knew that there would be a King born.
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Why were they filled with such joy?
These men had studied and knew that there would be a King born.
They had followed the star from the East and put their lives aside to find this new King.
I believe that when they saw that star over Bethlehem, there hearts leaped because they knew…
IT’S TRUE!
HE’S HERE!
Just take in that moment with them…I’ll just bet they gasped as they realized that all that they’d hoped for…was true.
The King had come!
And they were filled with joy!
Christmas can be a very sad and lonely time for some. My heart goes out to the many hurting hearts this season.
It can bring on depression…..but NOT if you have a heart that is filled with joy because you realize, maybe for the very first time….
It’s TRUE.
He DID come.
He came for me.
These men saw the star and all their hopes and dreams were fulfilled, and in the same way, when we come to that place of understanding what THIS (this season) is really all about…..we can be filled with joy!
When we GET that….when we really, really GET THAT… depression CAN’T rule in our hearts…because we have HOPE!
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy
Next time you see a star- remember their joy and let it fill YOU with joy!
IT’S TRUE!
HE’S HERE!
Just take in that moment with them…I’ll just bet they gasped as they realized that all that they’d hoped for…was true.
The King had come!
And they were filled with joy!
Christmas can be a very sad and lonely time for some. My heart goes out to the many hurting hearts this season.
It can bring on depression…..but NOT if you have a heart that is filled with joy because you realize, maybe for the very first time….
It’s TRUE.
He DID come.
He came for me.
These men saw the star and all their hopes and dreams were fulfilled, and in the same way, when we come to that place of understanding what THIS (this season) is really all about…..we can be filled with joy!
When we GET that….when we really, really GET THAT… depression CAN’T rule in our hearts…because we have HOPE!
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy
Next time you see a star- remember their joy and let it fill YOU with joy!
Psalms 105:3
Glory in His Holy Name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
NIV
I will continue this series online, but if you would like to hear the message that I shared in it’s entirety, email me your home address and I will send you a copy of the CD (no charge).
24 comments:
JOY! JOY! JOY!
P.S. I meant that as I am so glad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise God, He give us joy!
Thank you Jesus. It is easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in the Christmas rush. Thanks for redirecting my attention.
Joy! Amen, and amen!!!
Susan,
That's what I thought! You're so cute!
:)
Mob,
After spending the last 2 hours wrapping and my back is aching- I have to remember it myself all over again- and I just wrote it this morning!
Gibee,
We're all praising now!
Hi Sue,
Funny I should read this after waving a friend off who had visited me for the evening. As we went out to her car, I looked up and the sky was filled with stars. It's such a cold,crisp night here that they are really standing out. So this was an apt post to read before going to bed.
Thank you for that, Christmas is a great time to remember the Joy of knowing Christ! I choose to keep my eyes on Him. God bless you!
Bunnygirl,
Isn't it beautiful when the sky looks like that?! We live in the country, so on a clear night it is incredible. The first time I saw it after moving from the city, it took my breath away!
Bonnie- Hello!!
We spent a summer in the U.P of Michigan...I have NEVER in my life seen STARS like that...they were magnificent...not like the ones on my street that are dimmed by the streetlight...
The message in that STAR!!
I loved it! I am so glad that I stopped by for some coffee!!
I'll be back for another cup!!
you are a blessing over here Sue!!
peace!
lori
Hi Sue
I'd love a copy of the cd. You have my address.
Thanks,
Rhonda
Miss Sue
I chose 3 orphan boys named Bandit, Age 15 and Pichai, Age 17, and Luka, Age 14 for you.
We will e-mail you their pictures.
Thank you very much to your family for giving to three boys and praying for them. Britt
Oh WOW what an awesome post!
The Hope of your World
The Light of your World
The Joy of your World
Your Star of Wonder
Thanks so much for sponsoring 3 orphans and helping Britt with this project for his sister. Brooke is doing fine. The hospital where she taken was pretty dirty and her roommate has a staph infection soooo...she'll be home in 10 days!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for praying for her!
Rhonda.
Ok!
Bev,
I'm so thrilled that your son is doing this, what a great idea- what precious hearts. It says alot about how they were brought up- to give.
You're a blessing Bev!
Sue
Great reminder for all of us!
Sue...I loved this entire post. I still cant' get over the look of your blog. I AM LOVING IT! And the wisemen and star and colors and oh, my!
And, although I was bleak & gloomy sounding in my post this morning, I truly am recognizing the Joy of this season and for the first time in a long time (okay, for EV er) I think constantly that He IS the Joy of this Season and the entire reason we are celebrating!
Hugs girl!
Susan
JOY is something that God gives us each and every day...it's up to us whether or not we receive it or toss it to the side...but it is always there!
When we focus on Him and His grace we can not do anything but be Joy-Filled...
Great words my sister...I would love to get the rest of your message!!!
melissamashburn@bellsouth.net
Melissa in Mel's World
Glory to God!!!
As I look up at the stars tonight, I'll remember this and focus on what the Christmas season is all about.
my friend...my address had to change (with all of the hubbabaloo)
http://itstrueroo.blogspot.com/
Amen!!!
Echoing Susan...
Joy! Joy! Joy!
Wise men seek Him still! :)
Heather
Just loved this- We will be seeking stars for a little joy reminder, knowing that the one star shines more brightly than the rest!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
Thanks for sharing that. I started doing middle school at church, and I'm always looking for visual material for them. If you can present to middle school, you can present to any age.
Praise God for Jesus. Where would we be if He hadn 't come to save us.
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