[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The table has been cleared, the leftovers are likely about gone, Christmas trees have gone up, and maybe a few gifts have started appearing underneath from last week\u2019s sales.\u00a0 The stockings are lined up on the mantel and family plans are being made for the next holiday gathering.<\/p>\n
The countdown is on: 27 days until Christmas.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-5-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (5)” admin_label=”Advent Box” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 27 days to celebrate the most beautiful, the most wonderful time of year.<\/p>\n 27 days to find purpose in Christmas.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I love that line from the old movie, \u201cMiracle on 34th\u00a0Street\u201d: \u201cOh, Christmas isn\u2019t just a day, it\u2019s a frame of mind.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n And it is so true!\u00a0 I love the Christmas season for many reasons, but one reason is that it just seems that the world, in general, is in a better mood.\u00a0 A better frame of mind.<\/p>\n (Never mind a few Scrooges in the bunch. \u00a0There\u2019s always a few! ????)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-2-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (2)” admin_label=”El Shaddai” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Over the past couple of years, there has been a slow change in my frame of mind for Christmas.\u00a0 I LOVE the lights, the parties, the concerts, the gatherings, all the events and flurry of activity.\u00a0 But I am finding that even more, I love the quiet moments where I take a minute to discipline myself to slow my activity, still my mind, and bow my heart.<\/p>\n In the words of Ann Voskamp, one of my favorite writers, \u201cI want a Christmas that whispers<\/em> Jesus.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you stop and think back to the time in history when Jesus was born, it was pretty somber.\u00a0 There was a lot of turmoil and strife.\u00a0 There was friction between the people and the king.\u00a0 There was frustration over finances.<\/p>\n The flurry of people in Bethlehem wasn\u2019t because all the extra people wanted <\/em>to be there.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (1)” admin_label=”Nativity” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”3″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n And while the manger scene is always depicted in glowing light with cute animals, clean hay, and calm surroundings, I just can\u2019t help but think it felt anything but<\/em> glowing, clean, or calm to Mary, or Joseph for that matter.<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”4″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Joyful?\u00a0 Most certainly.\u00a0<\/strong> Not joyful because their surroundings gave them all the cozy vibes, but joyful because of Who was there.<\/strong><\/p>\n Not joyful because they were comfortable, but joyful because the One who is Love had arrived.<\/p>\n Definitely not joyful because they were surrounded by people who showed them grace, but joyful because the Person who created grace, Emmanuel, let out His first infant cry on that holy night.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-7-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (7)” admin_label=”Nativity” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”5″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These 27 days may not be filled with soft, cozy vibes (though I make every effort to create that for my family!).\u00a0 You may not experience 27 days of peace and comfort.<\/strong>\u00a0 There may not be abundant grace shown to you (remember those few Scrooges?).<\/p>\n But it can be a joyful 27 days<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”6″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For me, I know my 27 days are going to be busy.\u00a0 No matter how far ahead I work, how well I plan, how hard I try to carve out calm and peaceful moments, it\u2019s just going to be plain busy.<\/strong><\/p>\n Music performances, school programs, birthdays, parties, shopping, wrapping, more planning, more events\u2026it all stacks up.\u00a0 Even all the good stuff gets overwhelming.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not to mention the maybe not-so-good things you\u2019re dealing with too.\u00a0 Stress, grief, worry, fear, complicated circumstances.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”7″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n But it doesn\u2019t have to define your Christmas.\u00a0 Your purpose can be much greater.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-3-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (3)” admin_label=”Stockings” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”8″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Even in a crowded store or standstill traffic, purpose to still your mind.\u00a0<\/strong> When you finally arrive home at the end of a crazy day, slow your activity.<\/p>\n (Admittedly, this is a tough one for me.\u00a0 We could have a whole blog post about setting boundaries for your family in the midst of a busy season, but I\u2019ll condense it to this: You have the ability to say no<\/strong> and choose what will bring the purpose of joy and calm to your family.) \u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”9″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the middle of getting from one party to the next, take a second to bow your heart and refresh your joy.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find joy no matter the circumstances surrounding these 27 days.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-6-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (6)” admin_label=”Long Table” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”10″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cPeople with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don\u2019t quit. Depend on\u00a0God\u00a0and keep at it because in the\u00a0Lord\u00a0God\u00a0you have a sure thing.\u201d\u00a0 -Isaiah 26:3, MSG<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”12″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “Joy to the world! The Lord is come <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”13″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Joy to the World<\/em> was first published in 1719 by Isaac Watts. \u00a0It was never intended to be a Christmas carol, but rather part of his\u00a0Psalms of David Imitated<\/em>, which was a collection of songs written from paraphrases of many Psalms. \u00a0Joy to the World<\/em> is actually inspired by the last part of Psalm 98.<\/p>\n “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”<\/p>\n Psalm 98:4<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”14″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Even it if it feels like just a whisper on some days, don\u2019t let everything around you consume your joy.<\/p>\n Make it a Christmas with a purpose; the purpose is joy.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-4-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (4)” admin_label=”Advent Box” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Joy-to-the-World-10-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Joy to the World (10)” admin_label=”Gifts” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Follow Me” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I’d love for you to follow me on social media! \u00a0You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram<\/strong><\/a>, Pinterest<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Closing” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blessings,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.”<\/p>\n\n
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