Great Things

Posted byTiffany C. SchwanderPosted inTraditions, Christmas, gifts, laughter, joy, Jesus

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:1-3

The holidays can either spin you into a stressful tizzy with money, food, wrapping paper, ribbons and tinsel a flying! Or, it brings your inner child out filled with awe and wonder as you unwrap your favorite nativity scene, observe your neighbors’ pretty lights and decorations, and see the kindness and joy shining in those around you.

Perhaps, you have family traditions that you look forward to that bring you and your family closer. Maybe, it is the way in which you celebrate advent; reading the story of Jesus, memorizing scripture, lighting candles, praying for others and celebrating one another for who God has created! For others, it may be singing Christmas carols and watching great Christmas movies and laughing big jolly laughs that spark your endorphins! Or, making new traditions while laughing and eating more candy than you used to decorate your gingerbread houses!

All of these are great things, yet remember that this time of year is for us to turn our hearts toward the precious baby Jesus that came to seek and save the lost and to give the greatest gift of all: a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10). Let our mouths be filled with laughter and our tongues singing songs of joy sharing the love of Jesus while we look forward to our life with Him in Heaven; where the joy of Christmas will be celebrated forever! (For more on that topic, see Linda’s great devotion Waiting for Jesus.)

Be encouraged!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, what great news we have to celebrate and share! May our hearts be softened and our eyes opened to see how we can spread your loving kindness to all. Thank you for all the great things you have done for us and the greatest gift of all, Jesus! Amen

For further reading: John 10

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Published by Tiffany C. Schwander

Tiffany has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University and has been helping families for over 20 years. She and her husband, Mark, are raising their teenage twin sons to be strong in their faith and knowledgeable in the Word to strongly face life’s joys and trials. Tiffany has been Linda Colby’s associate teacher for the past three years in a national women’s ministry leading and guiding women and teens. Tiffany enjoys encouraging, teaching and counseling women and children into a closer relationship with Jesus as they study His Word.

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