Morning Devotional 121825 Palpable Joy

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 18, 2025 

Philippians 4:4-7

4 Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! 5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7 Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

Good Morning! Rejoice in the Lord always!

As we approach Christmas, I feel the excitement building within me. By God’s grace, I allow myself to put aside my adultness and prepare to celebrate these next few days through the eyes of my much younger self. 

The anticipation of the arrival of the Christ child is palpable. As I wait for the baby’s arrival, I revisit the traditions of Christmas’ past. These memories are fueled by the sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and feelings that live within my heart. 

This morning, I am examining the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that accompany Jesus’ arrival. In Romans 15:13, we read, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Imagine a fountain that sprays out joy so that all may be filled to overflowing. I remember splashing in the puddles left by a summer rain and being filled with joy. In those moments are worries slipped away, and I lived into the joy. 

The hope, peace, and joy are revealed through the sacrificial love that God presents by sending Jesus to save us from ourselves. Love came down at Christmas! The gifts are almost here. It is up to us to open and accept the hope, peace, joy, and love available to all who believe. 

Lord, you bless us abundantly! In all things, you shower us in abundance. Sometimes, we forget to pay attention. Thank you for loving us even when we are too busy being an adult to notice. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Rejoice! The Lord is near!

Are you ready to splash in the fountain of joy? Pastor Liz