Sunday Writing.... 11-18-18... "EARLY JOY"

Good morning!

Do you get annoyed by the seemingly earlier and earlier Christmas displays?  It seems like we are seeing more overlapping of holidays in the commercial sector.  Today's devotional, "EARLY JOY," takes a look at this practice.  Perhaps you will come away with a new perspective.

Blessings and Joy,
Jan

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Today's Devotional: 

"EARLY JOY"

by

Jan Andersen

How early is too early to put up Christmas decorations and play carols?  We often complain about how early the Christmas music and decorations start appearing in stores. Years ago they would wait at least until after Thanksgiving. Now they can be seen after and sometimes even before Halloween!  I always say they wouldn’t put them out if no one bought them that early. So there must be someone buying them and possibly even using them early in their homes. 

Here are some reasons recently given for why people decorate or listen to Christmas songs early:  It might make you happier, according to psychotherapists.  Outdoor decorations make you appear more sociable according to their research.  Early decorating gives you more time to get the it done and gives you more time to enjoy them.  The songs and lights brighten up the house when daylight hours are decreasing, creating improved mood and a warm feeling of nostalgia for many.  Granted, there will be some who are annoyed by it, and others who are mourning or hate the holidays, but maybe it is time to look past those feelings and find new meaning in the season.  Fast fun fact: in the Philippines they start playing Christmas songs in September with celebrations lasting through the first Sunday of January, and they are ranked the 3rd happiest country in the world!

There is another reason for starting celebrations early not mentioned above.  If decorating for Christmas and singing carols is about the preparation for celebrating Jesus coming into the world, doing it early can reflect the preparation of ourselves for Jesus coming into our hearts.  Why should we limit that?

When the young, pregnant Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, he leapt for joy within her womb.  Elizabeth celebrated with joy as she shared this with Mary, exclaiming how blessed she was.  Mary then celebrated as well with the words we call the Magnificat: Luke 1:46-47 ESV “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”  

If Mary, Elizabeth, and even pre-born John the Baptist can celebrate with joy the coming of the Christ child months before his actual birth, then why can’t we?  Let the lights of Christmas decorations remind us of the lights in the sky above the manger, the star on top of the tree guide us to Jesus, and the songs of joy settle in our hearts and ring out to the world the good news that Christ has come!

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for sending your son, Jesus, whose birth we are preparing to celebrate next month.  Help prepare our hearts with repentance as you give us the free gift of forgiveness and salvation.  May we share this greatest Christmas gift of all with others, no matter what time of year it is.  In Jesus’ name,  Amen.

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Song:

UNSPEAKABLE JOY

Christ Tomlin

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you

 by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff

 of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers:

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa
Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola,  Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,
 Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,  

Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp.