JOY

In the Advent book called The Dawn of Indestructible JOY by John Piper, it says: “The JOY Jesus was bringing into the world was like no other kind in history. Once we have it, it cannot be destroyed. In John 16:22, Jesus said, “No one will take your JOY from you.” Piper states he wrote this devotion book partly as an encouragement to “awaken and stir up our affections for the greatest WONDER of all: the arrival and the work and the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in this world.”

Our family is in another unique chapter as we prepare for our youngest son, Bennett’s High School Graduation this coming May. It is an emotional and bittersweet time. This Senior Class has been so special to our family. We have enjoyed seeing these incredible students grow up in their relationship with Christ over the last few years. They have taught our family so much about JOY through their hearts of worship, compassion, enduring faith, and more.

One of our prayers for Bennett and each of these Seniors is that they will never lose their WONDER or their JOY. On Tuesday, we watched A Charlie Brown Christmas in our home with several of these Seniors. This nostalgic movie starts with the song lyrics: “Christmastime is here, happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their favorite time of year.”

While these Seniors are certainly not considered “children” anymore, our hope is that when the storms of life come, their roots will remain anchored in the indestructible JOY that only comes from seeking WONDER and following Jesus.

May you always remember what Christmas is all about. (To quote Linus, “Lights, please…” See Luke 2:8-14.) As we light the Advent JOY candle, “May the Spirit of God open your eyes afresh to the glories of Christ [WONDER] and give you a new taste of your indestructible JOY.”