On the third day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me
three French words: Joie de vivre!
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
(Psalm 16:11 NLT)
Today finds me curled up on the couch, nursing a cold. Not feeling much joie de vivre. The common cold doesn't provide much joy of living. But joy doesn't always means happiness or health. I accepted my cold (which I am thankful came now, instead of last weekend). I settled into reading and then watching some films that I had on my Christmas wish list.
I watched The Nativity, which I hadn't viewed in a long time. The setting and narrative action gives the sense of being there. The writer of the screenplay opens with Herod's edict to kill all children under the age of two. A horrific portrait of power mongering fueled by pride and paranoia.
This tragedy is juxtaposed with scenes leading up to the birth of Jesus. The action takes place with hints of the gospel parables. Vineyards, wind blowing the leaves, figs and grapes and wheat harvest. Chaff blowing in the wind.
And the people of the story. Elizabeth and Zechariah stunned by the joy of a son in their old age. Mary scared, but willing to believe the impossible. Joseph who wavers with his own fears, but believes the good news of the angel.
"A son will be born to her, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21 NLT)
This is the real joy. The joy of God's salvation. This is cause for joie de vivre!
So sorry you are ill, Kel. Bummer! But how lovely that you can settle in and be quiet and read, reflect, and watch. May God giveyou rest and joy.
ReplyDeleteLynni
Lynni- Thanks for your kind words...I have learned to embrace times of illness as gracious down time...fitting way to the end the year resting in His presence...rest seemed to be my word for 2012, even though I picked simplicity...but rest is a simple way to trust and love God!
ReplyDeleteI love how you are following the days of Christmas. I was thinking something similar on the third day, not in terms of what you posted, but in using that reference... :) but never had a moment to post. I like how you came up with three French words... May He put that joy of life in you and restore you quickly to health!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam! I know God will provide joy and the healing is well on its way! Blessings as you enter the new year!
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