It’s advent season, friends! And I’ve got the JOY! JOY! JOY! Down in my heart…. where?! ;)
Advent is my favorite time of year — the study leading up to the greatest gift of all [Jesus, of course!] is one that never gets old to me. There’s so much to dig into, so many verses to cross reference, and so many sentiments to journal in my Bible margins. Exciting times are ahead this month!!
As soon as I ripped [not an exaggeration] into my December Grace & Gratitude kit, I knew right away what devotion I wanted to start with — JOY! It’s something I love to focus on during this season that is typically so full of frenzy, greed & stress.
But God. He gives us joy. Thank you, Father.
As I set my heart on the verse mentioned in this devotion, I hummed a few holiday tunes and got my hands busy + messy with some paint swipes down my margin. I’m definitely not traditional in my Christmas color picks, but that’s why I love this community — it’s aqua + pink no matter what the occasion!
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us this —
Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
This is my mantra for advent season! Keeping my eye on CHRIST, the ultimate gift that keeps on giving & letting go of my desire to please others [& myself] with excessive spending & endless shopping trips. Dwelling deep in the knowledge that Jesus is the perfecter of my faith, that He knows my heart, my hurts…. and knowing that I can let those go because of the cross. Let me keep my eyes on Jesus!
I grabbed a beautifully dried leaf from the yard [so simple, they’re everywhere and FREE!], and built up a little layered ephemera piece. I’m all about the layers in Bible journaling — y’all know me! I quickly scissored out the JOY clip art from the devo sheet & added in a few stickers, including this precious peachy pink deer from the devo kit sticker sheet. It was love at first sight with that one, I tell ya!
I also added some tabbies at the top of my page for quick referencing in the future & a scribbled prayer straight from my heart this advent season.
I truly pray that this prayer continues to resound in my heart throughout & even after advent. Jesus is the Rock — He is MY Rock — and I want to tell the world of the JOY JOY JOY He has put in my heart!
additional supplies: Studio Calico mega date stamp | enamel hearts | tiny attacher | dymo labeler | acrylic paintss
