True Joy

Psalm 65:8
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

There is a special joy I experience once a year. Tim and I put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. Our silver tree with candy-colored lights adds an almost magical element to the house. As much as the tree adds the sparkle of Christmas, the nativity that belonged to Grammy fills my heart with wonder. Two porcelain pieces, crafted in a creamy white, bow before the babe. A friend gave me a lovely backdrop with palm trees cut from burnished metal. Little angels surround the humble couple and their baby. Our Charlie Brown tree reminds us of the simplicity of the holiday and to not let commercialism seep in. Santa adds a touch of fun that begs me to be a child again during the holiday.

As much I enjoy setting up the Nativity and tree, for me the true joy comes the next morning. The first time I get up and walk into the living room and experience the delight of Christmas. Not just the shimmering lights and the beautiful baubles, but the love that started with a babe in a manger. Jesus came to us. He lived on earth and experienced temptation and heartache. He loved fiercely and befriended the folks no one else wanted to. He laid himself down as a sacrifice. Two days after that dark day, He rose to be the Savior. That’s true joy. Praise God for sending his son.