One of my favorite carols is running through my head as I write this pondering. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king. Let every heart, prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing”!

So what brings you JOY this season? Is it the gifts, the busyness, the hustle and bustle, the cookie trays to fill? Maybe, but probably NOT. When I truly stop to reflect what brings me JOY during past seasons, here are things that come to mind …

***A quiet morning watching a gentle snowfall

***Reading familiar verses from the prophet Isaiah and from Luke’s gospel

***Finding a Christmas devotion that expresses the old, old story in a fresh new way

***Listening to Christmas carols and singing along

***Making beautiful music with my choir at church

***Finding the perfect gift that I know will delight someone’s heart

***Savoring a cup of Christmas tea with a treasured friend

***Remembering the safe arrival of my grandchildren & their squeals of delight

***Lighting a candle in a darkened room

***The release of tears as I contemplate the truth of God’s love for all in Christ’s birth

***A darkened church on Christmas eve, candles lit & raised in worship, singing Silent Night, Holy Night

I hope that you embrace all the gifts of this holy season that bring you JOY.

And may you & yours have a Merry, JOY filled Christmas,

Marva Sheriff, Artist/Owner

PS: You can view my past ponderings here.