All Earth is Hopeful - December 15th

”If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.”

John 15:10-11 MSG

It worked, as the joy bubbling up from my son couldn’t help but be caught. His sight was on Christmas. His delight in the day and the anticipation of what was to come was a pure, palpable joy, seeping out and onto all those around him. What a gift! His joy brought about my joy.

I can’t help but think that our Father delights in our joy exponentially more than a parent delights in the joy of their child. Out of no other motivation than that of love, God longs that we free ourselves from all the manifestations of fear, and step into, abide, in His love for us. Our sight needs to be set on Him and the sure fulfillment of all He has promised us.

This morning, to my surprise and delight, I am feeling a great amount of joy in anticipation of the feast, the great banquet, with family today. Like that of Thanksgiving, for those of us who know, love and honor Christ, there is promised to be a great banquet set out for us where we are all one family together.

May each of us, at all times, and in all things, walk side by side with Jesus, letting His joy be complete in us as we keep our sight on eternity. May our anticipation of what is to come be a pure, palpable joy, seeping out and onto all those around us!