There most definitely was an exuberant, playful romp with Aslan and the children upon his return from the Stone Table - "unrestrained JOY" - jubilant JOY for the freedom after darkness. In this third week in Narnia, we will see Lucy's "deep shiver of gladness" when Father Christmas arrives, defeating the Witch's power. "Lucy feels a profound, solemn JOY, a mix of relief and wonder at the breaking of winter. There are a few other examples of JOY in Narnia, but you can be sure that none exceed the intense JOY in Aslan's Country where the "beloved characters meet in eternal delight, surpassing all earthly hope" of the final arrival in "The Last Battle". In Narnia, we can experience a similar JOY in our world, as C.S. Lewis created this world to encounter JOY, which we can find in Jesus. Yet Lewis wrote another book called "Surprised by Joy" (the link is to a review, and this article to Lewis' life search for Joy).
I realize that the week after JOY is LOVE.
Probably I'm selling myself short on this, and being a bit cynical or focused on why I have difficulty with TRUST
I want to remain true in sharing my lack of
TRUST & JOY
yet I'm guessing that I'd like to linger longer in PEACE until I can proceed honestly with TRUST or JOY!
I have to believe what I write so ...
Much to fill in as I turn to read this article from Desiring God:
"In God We JOY"
{that's true for me} 😊
Romans 15:13
<><><>
Onwards to
WEEK THREE
Session 3 focuses
on
"Father Christmas"
All I can say is I look outside and easily envision
NARNIA
now in Minnesota
with the amount of snow blanketing the pines & land
cumulative snowfall 14.6 inches
up to my boot tops, and so cold
<>💙<>
For this week and the beginning of Christmas week in our
Jim Branch, The Blue Book: A Devotional Guide for Every Season of Your Life (p. 430) [day 4 on blog is Psalm 118 and so *day 5 is the Exodus 15 reading; day 6 & 7 are switched]
so let's focus on scripture verses that contain JOY this week then on the 21st begin with verses that have CELEBRATION {in any form, like celebrate, celebrating, etc.}
make room for Jesus in your holidays with your loved ones CELEBRATING JESUS CHRIST!
A Blessed & Merry CHRISTmas from my 💙 to yours
<><><>
Speaking of CELEBRATING ...
It's
TRACY's BIRTHDAY
today
12-14-25
💓A Happy and Blessed Birthday Tracy💓
{this certainly brings me much JOY!}
to see the woman of God she's becoming more & more
>>> and loving her likewise >>>
💕
Just thinking about The Shepherd fills me with great JOY! (especially after our local church just finished a series "My Shepherd" (week 8 link) The Lord is My Shepherd ...
I'm preparing this ahead of time, so I'm leaving space to share more here on
TRUST and JOY
so that I may come back and write my collected thoughts later but it may publish like this, just know I will return
I'm sensing that I need to review 2025 and the reason is because I started this year in a Book Club with Asheritah Cuicui & Hannah Nietz through video discussions of her book
"Delighting in Jesus" Rhythms to Restore JOY ...
so this week of JOY returns me to her book to refresh in that Delight and JOY! I thought Part 2: Rhythms to Restore Joy (chapters 4-14); in particular but perhaps it should be Part 3: Our Joy Fulfilled (chapter 15) {perhaps just my many notes & highlights}
because there's a reason I began with JOY but ended up with TRUST as my 2025 One Word {so there has to be a significant connection for why the Spirit's leading me in this DIRECTION}
But I do know that Asheritah did speak or mention Narnia😉 in her last chapter (15) of Lewis' last book
"The Last Battle"
I must admit that these are not my thoughts so I still need to ponder about this more.
{maybe all this is just for me}
I do agree though with "TRUST and JOY are deeply linked." so now I need to figure out how, because truthfully, my own life experiences have rarely
<>
| ... I read: "TRUST fosters JOY" and "JOY reinforces TRUST." ... so "JOY acts as an outflow or evidence of that TRUST." "... believing in something good (God's promises, personal resilience) leads to happiness and inner peace, rather than fleeting pleasures." And reading further: "Psychologically and spiritually, {I find I need both} letting go of control and having faith (trust) in a positive outcome releases JOY, even amidst life's challenges." |
shown me this level of TRUST, and even less as
|
"TRUST provides the secure foundation (like in God, others, or oneself) that allows JOY to flourish." |
I have to believe what I write so ...
Much to fill in as I turn to read this article from Desiring God:
JOY
in
WEEK THREE
| 15. Like a Thief; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 16. The Robin; Psalm 143:8 Novel, chapter 6 17. Angels and Messengers; Luke 1:26-30 18. Mr. & Mrs. Beaver; 1 Cor. 11:26 Novel, chap.7-8 19. Christmas and Eucharist; Matthew 26:26-28 20. The Witch's House; Ezekiel 36:26 Novel, chap. 9 21. The House of David; 2 Samuel 7:4-6, 11b, 16 |
Session 3 focuses
| "God of Joy, as we draw ever nearer to Christmas in this season of Advent, watching and waiting for Your Son, journey with us. Help us prepare for His coming with solemnity and joy, taking seriously our own call to bring Your gospel into the world. Give us courage to deepen our faith as we face the busy schedules and heightened expectations of the season. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen." |
I plan to be reading about more
JOY & CELEBRATION #55
starting on Monday
with
the scripture readings on
JOY
followed by
CELEBRATION
from the weekend until
CHRISTMAS
🎄
[days are linked to JB blog]
| Daily Scripture Readings: Psalm 66 Monday John 15:9-17 Tuesday Nehemiah 8:1-12 Wednesday Philippians 4:4-9 *Thursday Exodus 15:1-21 Friday Isaiah 55:6-12 Saturday Revelation 19:6-9 Sunday Luke 15:20-32 |
I’m glad you and Tracy were able to share some JOY on her birthday! Merry Christmas to you both!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I really needed some JOY. Her birthday gift was significant & a musical dream that she shared recently when we were together for Sam's memorial service at Fort Snelling. I do hope she enjoys learning to play it & God helps it come easily for her, since she has an artistic side. It was a real JOY for me to see her. May your Christmas be filled with Love & JOY with precious memories old & new!
DeleteA very special someone reminded me today of "Joy to the World" which in so many ways is perfect for this blog post yet I did not want to add it into the post.
ReplyDeleteHowever, indeed this is much needed in our world along with Joy, Peace, Love & giving us some new Hope to our broken systems and world. Not an Advent-ure but God's necessity for us & we must TRUST Him with His plan (my problem is too many humans that get in His Way for their own selfish ways). But I digress for the purpose of the song & JOY!
"Joy to the World" is based on Psalm 98, which celebrates God's victory and calls for all creation to rejoice. Key verses include Psalm 98:1-4, which encourages singing a new song to the Lord for His marvelous deeds and righteousness.
Psalm 98:1-3: "Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has performed wonders; His right hand & holy arm have won Him victory. The Lord has made His victory known; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His love & faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen our God’s victory."
Additional Verses:
Luke 2:10-11: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ...
Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
John 15:11: “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you & that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11 NIV (to be cont.)
"The hymn "Joy to the World" reflects themes of joy, salvation, and the coming of the Lord, which are echoed in these verses. The celebration of Christ's birth and His reign brings joy to all creation, as expressed in both the hymn and the scriptures."
ReplyDeleteThis link has more on JOY:
https://ourbibleheritage.com/joy-to-the-world-bible-verse/
"30 Important Joy To The World Bible Verse (With Explanation)"
6 December 2025 by John Walsh
"Today we will talk about Joy To The World Bible Verse. This phrase is often associated with the beautiful hymn that celebrates the arrival of Christ into the world, stirring joy in our hearts. The Bible teaches us that joy is not merely a feeling, but a deep-rooted state of being that comes from our relationship with God. Joy can serve as our strength during difficult times and inspires us to share that joy with others. As we navigate through the scriptures, let’s immerse ourselves in the joy that God brings and reflect on its meaning in our lives."
I found this is to so helpful in explaining the 30 verses on JOY from God's Promises and I know we can TRUST Him at His Word (as we look deeply into His Word seeking to understand better His JOY).
This is one of the sections:
ReplyDelete"Joy In The World"
As we share the message of Christ, we spread joy to the world. Our faith calls us to be beacons of hope, illuminating dark places with the light of joy. Each of us plays a role in embodying that joy, bringing smiles and encouragement to those around us. When we act as vessels of joy, we not only enhance our lives but also touch the lives of others, leading them closer to the heart of God. Together, let’s take joy into the world and inspire change through kindness and love.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthews 5:14
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” – Romans 1:16
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
{Although these verses don't contain the One Word JOY, according to the author they speak to JOY}
He begins with God's Promises of Joy; then - (our) Joy in Salvation; Joy in Community; Joy in Worship; Joy in Trials; Joy in Thanksgiving; Joy in Hope; and the one above Joy to the World.
And these final thoughts:
"... In our journey of faith, we have explored the profound theme of joy throughout the Bible, particularly focusing on the keyword “Joy To The World.” Through God’s promises, salvation, community, worship, trials, thanksgiving, and hope, we find that joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep-rooted expression of our relationship with Him. Each scripture reminds us that joy is available to us at all times and in all circumstances. As we cultivate this joy in our lives, let’s remember to share it with others, illuminating our world with God’s love and light.
Let’s continue to encourage one another in our spiritual journeys, embracing the joy that comes from knowing our Savior. May we carry the joy within us and share it generously, as we impact the lives of those around us. Remembering that the joy of the Lord is our strength, we can face each new day with hope and enthusiasm.
Together, let us rejoice and celebrate the gift of joy in our lives, always looking forward to the blessings that await us in our walk with Christ."
Even though the above comments are not about TRUST and its relation to JOY, reading about JOY allows us to see how important it is to TRUST God & His Word.
ReplyDeleteIn sorrow, it seems we need to look beyond to our JOY in Jesus Christ & our future JOY yet in the meantime each one of us need to do better at being kind (actually Jesus tells us "to love one another") and compassion for others by bringing a little more JOY while we can to others in this world encountering (truthfully being forced/enforced) more suffering, pain, possibly death, and utter fear of what the day might bring - so why not share JOY however God tells you to - even a smile, kind word/comment in response to their cruel or negative ones resist & show them Jesus.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻❤️❤️❤️
Delete