The Fourth Sunday of Advent: JOY

Sunday, December 22, 2019

The Wonder of What God Has Done Through His Son:

An Advent Devotional Guide

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all. . . .

Philippians 1:3-4

I have been sitting here looking at this verse, thinking about what to write, and it has become very personal. Instead of focusing on the joy — because that is the focus of the week— my mind has been playing with the “you all” (maybe because I am Southern). And that has taken me to times with many of you. 

I went to visit someone today whom I knew had not been feeling well. I went out of concern for her, but I came away with real joy in my heart that she is my friend, and the remembrance of our visit brings joy to me as I write. 

A man came to my office recently, sat down and told me a secret. He said he wanted to do something special for our Haiti work, and he wanted me to help him but not to tell anyone. Remembering him as I write brings tears of joy to me now. 

A lady in our church came to help me with a project one day, and as we worked she told me some things that she was struggling with. As she left, she came around my desk and gave me a “thank you” hug — a thank you for listening. The hug gave me joy and remembering it renews that joy. I’m grateful she trusted me with her concern. 

A couple in the church asked me to dinner. They didn’t know that I was really lonely, maybe even depressed. Eating a beautifully prepared meal with them brought me joy at that moment, and, even though that was many months ago, remembering them and their caring brings joy now. 

Joy comes in the morning, the Scripture says. 

Father, Remind us to do the things for others that will cause them to know joy in remembering. Amen

The Wonder of What God Has Done Through His Son:

An Advent Devotional Guide
prepared for First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, Florida
Winter 2009 
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator