Is it Christmas Already?

Every year it comes at the same time, and every year we have 4 kid's birthdays within the same month. Every year it seems to creep up on me and I'm unprepared. Yikes! No Christmas cookies made yet, the christmas cards are almost finished, no family photo, no ink in the printer....and the biggie, NO SNOW! Our Minnesota raised kids would love some white stuff to play in for Christmas. What's weighing in on our hearts the most this year? Joy. Here's an excerpt from the christmas newsletter John wrote:

One of my favorite carols is ‘Joy to the World’.  Sure, I like the slow, contemplative ones as well, but something wells up in me when that familiar descending melody starts.  (FYI – I love Steve Green’s version…and yes, I know that dates me.)  The Bible connects joy with the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds in Luke chapter 2 – “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

So why did the angel bring joy and not happiness?  Happiness is dependent on outward circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is internal and constant. We have an unlimited source of joy through Jesus Christ. We shouldn't be as concerned about happiness which is dependent on outward circumstances. We should have joy in the Lord based on an internal constant - our relationship with Him.

We continue to serve at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.  I (John) teach music theory/piano at the ministry’s music school and private lessons at home; Cheryl does Sozo ministry, is webmaster for the girls’ dance studio and keeps the house organized and running happily; Zach plays guitar on an IHOPKC worship team and works at Best Buy; Rachel is out of the nest, living on the Plaza in KC and pursuing an education in art history and restoration; Sarah graduated high school earlier this year and will get her BA in Liberal Arts/Psychology and graduate from the dance program at Dramatic Truth School of the Arts within the next few months (whew!); Hannah dances at Dramatic Truth and turns 16 next week!!  Josiah’s interests are history, Minecraft and theatre (that’s new), Chloe leads worship at school and both her and Sophie are really talented singers and pianists.

One final note about ‘Joy to the World’…even tho’ it’s considered a Christmas carol, the words were based on Psalm 98 and speak of Jesus returning at the end of the age. 

May you have a truly joyous Christmas!

Now let it SNOW, let it snow, let it snow!