Many people began the new year with a resolution and a word for the year.  Choosing a word seemed like a good thing and so I selected ‘intentional’ as my word.   What’s been interesting, is that as the year wore on, another word came to the forefront of my thinking.  If you’re a regular reader, I’m guessing that you will guess what that word is.  Yes, it’s ‘joy.’

As I began decorating my home for Christmas I started adding the word ‘joy’ to my wreaths and packages.  For some time I’ve been smitten with banners and decided to make one for Christmas.  Rejoice seemed to be the perfect word for my banner which I constructed and hung on an old window.

The dictionary people at  Merriam Webster give this definition to the verb rejoice…”Feel or show great joy or delight.”

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Rejoice Word Banner | Matthew 2:10 - The Magi rejoiced with great joy, Christmas decor

 

The Magi following the star to Bethlehem were overjoyed that the star brought them to Jesus.   I love how the King James Version of the Bible expresses it, “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”   Matthew 2:10.

Not just joy….though to have joy is pretty amazing.  Not just great joy…though that must be joy doubled or tripled.  “Exceeding great joy.”   We could call it extraordinary joy.   These Magi were evidently overwhelmed with their feeling of joy.   Do you think that they knew that they were in the presence of the Creator of the universe?   We do know that they bowed down and worshiped Jesus.

What is it that causes you to respond by feeling or showing great joy or delight?
Have you been overwhelmed with extraordinary joy?
How did you express that joy?

We are just a little more than two weeks from Christmas Day, shall we can embark on a joy journey?  Let’s take time each day to reflect and rejoice on our Savior who humbled Himself in human form, even to death on a cross.   Let’s journey to the manger, where we too can rejoice with exceeding great joy.

 

Joy Day!

This is the day when we count just seven from the many blessings of our past week.   What a great way to begin the week.   I’ll start….

My heart is filled with gratitude for:

  1. my servant husband
  2. seeing a friend grow in wisdom and character
  3. the provision of white and red paint
  4. physical healing
  5. unbelievably warm December temperatures
  6. an afternoon spent with friends
  7. a Savior, worthy of all honor and praise

It’s your turn!  Please share yours in the “Share your thoughts” section below.  I do read and respond to every comment.

May you too have “exceeding great joy”

Diane

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FYI…late Monday I’ll be back with a Holiday Tour of my home, joining in Jennifer Rizzo’s virtual Holiday Housewalk Party.  It’s kind of like going on a tour of homes, but you get to stay all warm and cozy in your own home while you tour all over the country.  If you missed the first part of the tour last week…you can check it out here.

Be sure to check back here on Monday evening to see what I’ve been decorating!

Jennifer Rizzo.com - Virtual Holiday Housewalk Party - a tour of homes for Christmas

Sharing with Alderberry Hill + My Fresh Brewed Life + On Sutton Place + Between Naps on the Porch + Nesting Place + Titus 2sdays + Imparting Grace + Desire to Inspire + Katherine’s Corner + Exceeding Great Joy + Missional Women + Create With Joy + Cheerios & Lattes

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 Thanks so much for reading!
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Comments

  1. Glenda Kremer says

    My great joy is coming –though I’m joyful every day as I am so blessed! but our 5th grandson is due on Christmas Day–can hardly wait! BABIES are joy!!!!
    Glenda Kremer

    • Diane says

      Oh they are!!! My heart rejoices with yours Glenda!!
      Joy to you!!!

  2. Beautiful thoughts on joy!

    • Diane says

      Thanks Barbie! Hope your week is extraordinary!!

  3. Jen@Living a Listful{l} Life says

    This is a great post. I’ve been thinking a lot about what my ‘word’ is going to be for 2013. 2012’s was brave, and I don’t think I really accomplished all I could have with it. What is making me joyful today? The fact that my husband is coming home tonight from a week long trip and I’ll have a little relief from being sole caretaker of my kiddos this weekend! Yay!!

    • Diane says

      Yay for the partnership of marriage! Glad your guy is coming home soon!
      Thanks for your kind words, Jen and for sharing a bit of your joy here!
      Wishing you a joyful Christmas!

  4. Mindy @ New Equus - A New Creation says

    My joy today is having a great job with a fabulous boss. Spending as much time as I do at work it’s a blessing to be able to say that! 😀

    • Diane says

      I rejoice with you Mindy! That is a fabulous blessing!!
      Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your joy!

  5. what a lovely post. I use the word joy regularly, find your joy, you bring me joy, be joyful, xo Thank you or sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo

    • Diane says

      Thank you Katie! Your joy is evident in your writing too!
      May your Christmas be one of exceedingly great joy!

  6. Carol says

    Diane,
    I realized the other day, that whenever I feel joy, it is because I am feeling His Presence. Whether I am in the garden, cleaning the house, having my devotional time, or just walking through the house. What a blessing.
    Seven blessings this week:
    1. my husband’s beautiful smile
    2. hubby’s encouragement, daily enthusiasm
    3. lots of hours in the kitchen
    4. beautiful Christmas decoration
    5. making gifts for family
    6. serving in-laws dinner
    7. laughing with my Chickie

    • Diane says

      Isn’t it wonderful, knowing our loving Father is the source of all our joy?
      You have seven truly special blessings. Thanks for sharing!
      May your day be filled with JOY!!

  7. Joy Day! What a great idea! I’m thankful for…

    …my husband who loves me well.
    …the legacy of Godly, Christ-following parents
    …our little farm.
    …my fabulous camera.
    …the Word of God.

    Thanks for linking up to Desire to Inspire!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Amanda, for coming by and joining in the joy of “Joy Day!”
      You have been greatly blessed! 😀
      May your New Year be overflowing with JOY!

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  1. […] you’ll notice that there is a little theme going on here, for the most part.  If you read my post yesterday, you may remember I mentioned how ‘JOY’ has become an underlying theme these […]

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