It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.
(Isaiah 35.2 NRSV)
Comedian Dom DeLuise tells about one of the best Christmas gifts he ever received. He says that there was a time when nothing made him laugh. "Everything was wronglife was hopeless and I was feeling useless." When his son asked what he wanted for Christmas, DeLuise replied, "Happinessand you can't give it to me." On Christmas day his son handed him a piece of cardboard with HAPPINESS written on it. "You see Dad," his son said, "I can give you happiness!" For a moment at least, DeLuise' depression was shattered.

It is amazing how children can bring us happiness. That's what Christmas is really all about. We say that Christmas is for children. Untrue. A child opening with glee his or her new toy from Santa does not feel nearly the happiness Mom and Dad feel at that moment. Children bring us joywhether they are ours or someone else's. But there is one child that has brought more joy into more people's lives than any other. He is the Christ child of Bethlehem. Isaiah the prophet anticipated what his coming would mean. He wrote, "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord."

Loving God, thank you for showing us your glory in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

Help Promote Devotions.Net | Past Devotions
| Home | Bible | Devotions | Humor | Visitors | Links |