A moment to rejoice

I received one of those forward emails today that had a "prayer" in it. I confess that I dislike those emails, because though they are well intentioned, they feel so selfish. They just say feel good stuff that neglects a lot of truth. I wrote the sender back thanking them for their well wishing, and offering my own prayer of blessing to them in return. And as I wrote, I was so filled with joy as I reflected on the Lord's amazing, overwhelming unimaginable goodness and mercy toward us! Who am I to receive such lavish gifts, to have His life? Who am I to dwell in His presence? I wish I took more time to meditate on Him. Here's a bit of my "joy moment" email. I hope you catch the joy bug this season too!

>>He dwells in glory and we have been brought near through Jesus' death. What an amazing gift, to be in the presence of the Living God! To experience His life! What a gift to be able now to approach His throne in confidence because of Christ's sacrifice! Even still, he does not need us, but calls us to Him and gives us the privilege of being a vessel of His life and power on earth. And then we will behold His glory. We ought to tremble before Him, and yet He also gives us the joy to dance in His presence! I feel like I can rejoice with David "Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You! My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my life, and my portion forever."

"Could we with ink the oceans fill,
and were the skies of parchment made;
were every stalk on earth a quill,
and every man a scribe by trade,
to write the love
of God above
would drain the ocean dry,
nor could the scroll
contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky...

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Oh love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure,
the saints' and angels' song..."

I hope you all experience the wonder and excitement of knowing Jesus Christ this Christmas!<<