03
Dec
As a child, looking at Christmas decorations brought me instant bliss. The bright colors and shining lights were happy reflections of the holiday season. But from ornaments to candles, one word stood out to me: JOY.
Sure, it is what my parents named me. But I grew to know Christmas JOY exists because of Jesus. We celebrate because the majestic Messiah became flesh and lived among us. (John 1:14) We can take heart because His Lordship and His promises stand the test of time.
“Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days” (Psalms 93:5 NIV).
Hence, the tradition to deck the halls is not just to adorn our public and private spaces. It can also reflect how we adore Jesus, the Savior of us all.
Even as an adult, happiness is hard to contain as I decorate our Christmas tree. But tinsel would lose its meaning if there was no little town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was tucked away in a manger. (Luke 2:1-7)
We don’t need big budgets or fancy items to impress Him. The space He wants to dwell in the most is our hearts. Jesus left heaven’s holy opulence to show us “God so loved the world.” (John 3:16) Such love fills my soul with JOY.
And yet, gladness also fills my heart as I wrap my white porch posts with red velvet ribbon. The candy cane effect is symbolic of how Christ’s sacrificial death and blood cleanses us from our sins. (1 John 1:7)
My wreath welcoming our guests also serves as a reminder. The Lord of hosts knocks at the door of every heart. (Revelation 3:20) He longs to save every soul.
From the sparsest spaces to extravagant town squares the Brightest Star still shines. (Revelation 22:16)
We may choose to adorn our spaces, with simplicity or grandeur. Some of us may decorate at the last minute or maybe not at all. But we can each choose to adore Jesus.
As we look for the next decoration or the next reason to have joy, may He be the reason for it all.
PRAYER: Dear God, Decorating for Christmas means _________________ to me. Help me to have your perspective as I see bright lights or decorations in public and private spaces. If I have very little to adorn or if I have an endless budget to binge, may I choose to adore Jesus. He chose to be my Savior and die for my sins. He rose from the dead for my victory. Whether life is to my liking or the light of life grows dim, may I remember the beauty of abiding in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JOY TO THE SOUL: “Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days” (Psalms 93:5 NIV).
Karie boesiger
Beautiful message Joy! I love to decorate for Christmas! My absolute favorite time of year to go all out and now I know why. I realized after reading your day 3 message that I am honoring the one true Joy that brings everlasting peace, grace and life to my life! When I see decorations from now on I will adore God for the gift of Jesus, Holy Spirit wrapped up in the Trinity saving love for all who believe!
Joy
Thanks Karie! I’m glad you enjoyed this post. May you have all the joy God gives as we adore Jesus. I’ll be doing the same!🎄💕
Kathy Francescon
Sweet Joy, your words are bringing Sweet Joy to me!! And I won’t forget to RSVP–
RELY on the SAVIOR’S VICTORY and POWER!! That was, as usual, an awesome post!! I’m so glad I found your website! Your parents truly gave you the perfect name!! You are “JOY!”
Joy
Awww thanks for those kind words Kathy! I’m glad you found my website too. I’m also glad you won’t forget to RSVP to the Savior’s daily invitation to us all. I wrote that post a few years back and I remain grateful for His victory and power in my life. Thanks for mentioning it Kathy. For those who are wondering, you can read it here: https://joyawilliams.com/did-you-forget-to-r-s-v-p/
Lucille Gaither
Well, I’m not much for holiday celebrations of any kind. But I like to do what Titus 2 tells us, and that is,
“Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ…”
This brings me joy, in any season.
Joy
Hi Lucille! I am so grateful for the blessed hope we have in Christ! Thanks for sharing!
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