Joy

Thanksgiving has left us in its wake as we prepare for the next wave of celebration known as Christmas. Advent is a time to prepare. My family knows me as a bit of a Scrooge—this is not my favorite time of year. I want to to live expectantly; to know how to live in the knowledge that Jesus can show up at my door momentarily. This year, I want to apply that to Christmas. Aaron will be arriving home around the 12th of December. There is a sense of expectancy. Our 29th anniversary is on the 13th. We've decided to wait and decorate for the holidays on the 14th. We've planned a party. My son, who has been away almost 6 months, is coming home.

I want to live so that each day is a party; to find a reason to celebrate each day instead of cataloging my numerous petty complaints. Instead of feeling obligation and duty, I will find ways to make it a joyous time. I will not let preparation become drudgery. I make and do things at this time of year that don't happen at any other time. It's not a prison sentence; it's an opportunity to bless those around me.

I want to celebrate each day because as I grow older my days become more precious. Yesterday was a lovely day. Dwayne, Joshua, Becky and Chris were at the dinner table. My youngest sister, Kim, also joined us. Aaron, in South Carolina, called 4 or 5 times. There was more than enough food. We laughed and told family stories. I will make each day a festival instead of those rare prescribed days. Proverbs 15:15 says this: Every day is a terrible day for a miserable person, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

I am aiming for the perpetual party. I pray that each of you will have an uninterrupted feast this Christmas. I pray that the pressure of your lives will not crowd Jesus out of your days. Nehemiah 8:10 says this: Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.