The Joy of the Moment

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He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,
the world did not recognize him.  
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
John 1:10-11

December 23
What in life has robbed you of the joy of a special moment?  You know, like in Father of the Bride when George Banks has to go outside during his daughter's wedding and handle a parking mess and misses special wedding moments and almost misses telling her good-bye.
This week is one that can bring about rushing.  I think back to the years I've spent in the kitchen and missed conversations, antics, and laughter on our dock or downstairs in our family room.  Every year I say I will simplify and get others to help.  This year we actually are eating out a couple times!

Ann Marie Stewart writes in her devotional Advent: "Most Bethlehem villagers missed receiving the joy of the moment.  Bethlehem was crowded and chaotic.  Many never noticed Jesus. Some townsfolk saw only two ragged travelers enter a crowded village.  Some may have seen a poor family in a cave.  Others saw only a baby in a manger…Jesus was in their midst; yet did they miss the truth and beauty because they were focused on something less wonderful?  Were they distracted by the temporary, while the eternal God was in their presence?"

May we not miss the joy of the moments this season. May our time with family and friends include talk about Jesus and the difference he has made in our lives. He is the reason we celebrate.

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