And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:8-18

This part of the Christmas story puts joy in my heart.  

God chose simple smelly shepherds to tell the greatest news…ever.  

And he didn’t do it in any small way either.  No.  He sent the whole angel chorus.  I can only imagine how stunningly terrifying it was.   But as wonderous as being told the best news ever by a majestic host of angels…the best part for me is that it was they….the uneducated lower echelon of society, seriously in need of a good bath…who received this news first.

It helps me remember we don’t have to do anything, or be good enough to receive the Messiah…the Good News.

Nativity figurines | Scripture Photo | Joy at Christmas | Luke 2:12

And then the second part that just makes me melt….

The sign wasn’t something amazing that you would expect from the creator of the universe.  No…the exact opposite.   The sign to the shepherds was to find Jesus, our Messiah, as a helpless baby in a sheep barn.   Crazy.  Love.

Are you feeling the joy?  This incredible display of love.  How he wants us to want him.  He could make us want him…but he doesn’t.  Instead, he became the most vulnerable of society.  A poor defenseless infant.  What humility.  What love. 

What joy!

It’s Joy Day!

Let’s take a few minutes from the busyness of this holiday season and count the crazy love gifts we have experienced this week from the hand of an Amazingly Loving Heavenly Father.  Please join me in counting… just seven.

I’ll start…

In addition to the Christmas Joy I shared above, I’m full of gratitude for:

  1. A December hike with friends…in light jackets…oh yes!
  2. Peppermint…brownies…whipped cream…yum!
  3. Anxiety which reminds me to trust in the ONE Who IS Trustworthy.
  4. The most visits to An Extraordinary Day in one day!
  5. That I can pray with friends and know the power of His Name.
  6. A simple date with my love….walking to the creamery to share a peppermint sundae.
  7. Scary…slippery…stunning…spectacular…SNOW!

Now…it’s your turn!!  Please join by counting just seven.  Scroll down to “Share Your Thoughts” below.  It’s guaranteed that you will feel your spirit lift as you type in those bits of the week…the good and not so good for which you are thankful.

Give the joy meter a push.  Join in the count!

May your Christmas be truly joyous!

Diane

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Comments

  1. Mel says

    It’s the Eve before Christmas–and I’m humbled…….in awe.

    And joyful!

    About:
    ….the silent whiteness that blankets the world surrounding me. Snow, snow, glorious snow! 🙂
    ….the loving care of another who brings me coffee in the early hours.
    ….the smell of the season that fills the house.
    ….the quacking duckie keychair. It’s just too cute!
    ….the wee hearts and stars I started crocheting to keep my fingers busy.
    ….the late night call from a 3 year old who babbled on about Christmas cookie making with her mommy.
    ….the turkey camping out in the refrigerator! 😉

    Joyous Noel to you and yours!

    • Diane says

      Humbled. Yes!!!!!!!
      Oh, Mel! You have soooo much for which to be joyful!!
      Rejoicing with you!
      Thank you for the joy wishes!!!! 😀
      May your Christmas be filled to the top with unspeakable joy!

  2. Jane B says

    My list of 7…
    1. Christmas Eve morning with my family – the “Dude”, my son, daughter-in-law and my 3 yr old granddaughter Annabelle
    2. Watching little Miss A discover her Santa present – a red wagon
    3. Dude’s PT scan which came back with no changes–yay!
    4. A White Christmas in Texas—yup, snowed Christmas Day
    5. Memories of those I love who were here in spirit on Christmas day
    6. A home that is happy, peaceful and even a bit messy and dirty today
    7. Waking up to another pretty day

    • Diane says

      Joy! Joy! Joy!
      Thanks for sharing your moments of gratitude! 😀
      Jane, you truly do have sooo much for which to be thankful!

  3. Joy!!! Thank you for sharing your sweet blog at the hop xo

    • Diane says

      Awww…you’re so sweet. Thanks always for being the hostess with the mostess!

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