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It’s a Boy . . . Born to Bring us Joy

“I say these things while I am still in the world, so they may have the full measure of my joy in them.”
John 17:13


The birth of a baby most certainly brings joy to his family. You know five-month-old Prince George will be the center of attention as the British royal family gather at Sandringham, their country home, this Christmas.

Then too, the baby Jesus brought joy coupled with wonderment to His mom and dad, considering the circumstances of His conception, birth and early years. And during His life, amongst all the things Jesus wanted His disciples to know, joy must have been on the top ten list. Oh, not the joy a baby brings, but that deep inner confident joy one experiences knowing God (John 17:3), no matter what is going on in your life.

Much would happen in the next few days after this prayer. Jesus had to reassure His disciples that His joy could not be diluted by even the cross. He specifically told them: “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22).

Five days until Christmas ladies; five days until we celebrate the birth of the King of kings. Time to unwrap the gift of joy Jesus gave us. In her book Wonderstruck, Margaret Feinberg encourages us to awaken to the nearness of God. He beckons us; meanwhile we “slumber in the presence of the sacred, snore in the company of the divine”.  

At Margaret’s suggestion I began my Wonderstruck journal, a list of all the wonders of God, from the past as I recall them and everyday as I enjoy them. I feel the measure of my joy increasing. I share a few:
  • Sunrise at the Grand Canyon—rays of light illuminating sheer rock, top down
  • “I so (ex)cited see you grandma!” from my 2-year-old grandson
  • Silly hummingbirds vying for a place at my feeder
  • Job 38, 39, 40, 41…who is like God anyways?!
  • The yellow of aspens in fall, more brilliant against their evergreen counterparts
  • Skin stem cells actually have the potential to form any organ in the body!
  •  A swift moving creek, tumbling over tree limbs, around rocks
  •  That burly brown bear digging for dessert in the dumpster under my window
  •   The hymn, How Great Thou Art!
Joy to the world; it’s a Savior! Start your list of His wonders today; increase the fullness of your joy forever.


Nancy P
Posted by encouraging.com
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