Psalm 63:2 NIV

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

About this time every Christmas, I feel exhausted. Have I gone to all the places I need to go? Do I have all the purchases to fulfill the needs of others? What have I forgotten?

Invariably, I have forgotten something--Joy. Hope begins the season, Peace remains a longing, Love remerges by Christmas Eve, and Faith retains into the New Year. But, Joy gets squeezed out in the middle. Add stress, fatigue, illness, and annoyances to the Christmas list of unchecked items, and Joy seems extinguished. Unless I remember Joy is that hidden ember in the ashes. Joy rekindles hope and peace. It reignites to reveal Love and Faith. Therefore, I poke my weary self to keep watch on the glow of Christmas Joy shining through the verses shared this week.

Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

James 1:2 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

Psalm 150:6 NIV

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Isaiah 30:20-21 NIV

Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Psalm 92:1-5

It is good to give thanks to the Lord

And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;

To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning

And Your faithfulness by night,

With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,

With resounding music upon the lyre.

For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done,

I will sing for joy at theworks of Your hands.

How great are Your works, O Lord!

Your thoughts are very deep.