When we take time to seek God in simple things hope permeates our lives.
A few weeks ago, as Candace and I raked leaves, she pointed to a small bird jumping from branch to branch in one of our cherry trees.
The sight reminded me of Jesus’ words, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
We finished our work, and as more leaves fell on the ground, I thought of what Jesus said to Nathaniel, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51, NASB.)
Angels coming and going like autumn leaves stirred by a gust of wind.
As we raked that day, the air was smoky from the devastating fires in northern California. We breathed the ash of their tragedy, and I felt heartbroken for them. My efforts to help seemed futile. I’m part of the family of God, and we are bound together by one Spirit, so I share in the suffering of my brothers and sisters. Such events give us abundant opportunities to show the love of Christ, even if imperfectly.
During Advent, many things remind me of God’s love for us. The falling leaves also reminded me of the angels descending on the shepherds in the field to announce the birth of Jesus that first Christmas.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:9-13, NIV.)
First one angel, then a host, like the leaves.
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told (Luke 2:20, NIV.)
They were “caused great joy” just like the angel said.
I’ve read that Christian joy is an attitude of the heart, not a feeling. I know God changes my heart, but I praise and glorify Him because I feel joy knowing that I’m His child. In church, we sang halleluiahs to the Lord, and I felt joy.
Our Savior said, “I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing”(John 15:11, AMP.)
Synonyms for the word joy include: delight, great jubilation, triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happiness, gladness, glee, exhilaration, exuberance, elation, euphoria, bliss, ecstasy, rapture, enjoyment, felicity, joie de vivre, jocundity, and thrill.
It gives me joy to know Jesus, and to know my Father is watching every detail of my life, and sending His angels to do His bidding, and affecting my life in ways I don’t see, or can’t understand. He remakes my imperfect efforts by His perfect love.
“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11, NIV.) His angels, his messengers, watch over us.
At times I struggle with joy, especially because I miss loved ones who are absent. Often the Spirit lifts me in wonderful ways, like Christmas music and hymns. David Jeremiah wrote, “Music brings the celebration in our hearts into fruition in our very being. It brings the joy of the angels into our lives.” (Turning Points, December, 2018, p. 39)
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn–shout for joy before the Lord, the King” (Psalm 98:4-6, NIV.)
A sparrow, falling leaves, and angels.
They tell me God loves me, and when I focus on this truth, I feel joy.
For Christmas, and always, that is my prayer for you.
Selah.