The Stitch on Joy: An Advent Devotional Thought

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10 NIV

There are things we do in life because they bring us happiness... pleasure... joy. I enjoy quilting (you can probably already tell), but I also knit and crochet. I've dabbled in drawing and painting as well. Not only do my hobbies bring me joy but they are also good for me. Whenever I feel anxious or sad or unsettled... I sit down to knit or sew and I become calmer. I have more focus. I relax. The results of my hobbies bring me confidence and pride in quality work well done. I can't really imagine a life without my hobbies.

As much as I love my hobbies... they don't fill my soul completely with joy... I have a longing for something, actually someone, else to fill me with great joy. That person is Jesus. In Luke 2, the angels are announcing Jesus' birth to the shepherds. They are sharing the greatest news of all, Jesus has come! Why is this news so great? Because it will bring the GREATEST joy for ALL people.

Quilting is not for everyone. Sewing a straight line might be boring to you. Knitting and crochet is not for everyone. All those loops can be confusing. Jesus... He is for everyone! Whether you have a hobby or not, you can have the joy of Jesus in your heart. And it's not the earthly joy you find from hobbies, but a soul filling, truly complete type of joy.

I am reminded today of the Joy Pledge. It's shared on our local Christian radio station, KSBJ, around this time every year.

"I need Joy.

And when I keep my eyes on Jesus, I have Joy,

When I lose it, I will choose it.

I choose Joy!"

Whenever I hear the Joy Pledge I refocus in this busy season on what matters most... The joy of receiving the greatest gift imaginable from God in the form of a little baby that grows to spread God's love and ultimately take the sins of the world on his shoulders for us. That's the greatest joy for all people!

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