Lu 1:14 He will be a JOY and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth
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This week in advent we will be exploring the theme of JOY, especially related to Christ's birth. Our verse today states what the angel told Zachariah about the birth of their son, John the Baptist.
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This devout couple had been childless into their old age. For them, in the era of Bible times, it was a curse and a stigma. Yet, God allowed them to suffer for awhile so He could show His glory, His power and His divine plan through their lives. In fact they suffered through all the years of their married life.
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But then God gave them a miraculous son who would point the world to the Messiah. And that son would be source of great joy and delight. I can only imagine.
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Sometimes we go through barren times and periods that seem unbearable. I have. But through it all, I find that God has had a purpose for it and He shines through.
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Isaiah 61:3and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
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Photo taken Saturday at Spa, Belgium at their Christmas market.
