JOY (First of Advent) - Joy & Gladness

JOY (First of Advent) - Joy & Gladness

This is a delayed posting - The First of Advent was last Sunday December 3rd but I had to be at a very important Memorial Service.

This year, during Advent Season we are going to be focusing on JOY.  Even though during the Christmas season we seem to show our "joy" through festivities, food, decorations and gifts - deep down many are sad and depressed.  In this material society we lose truth and authenticity.

When researching for this series, I was amazed at how many times the word "joy" occurs in the Bible!  Today we will be studying "joy & gladness", and we will begin with basic definitions of each word:

Joy - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.  Bliss, cheer, delight, glee.  (the opposite is: sorrow & sadness)

Gladness -  experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight : made happy.  Overjoyed, cheerful, pleased. (the opposite is:  depression & unhappiness) 

The Scripture passage below is the reason why we should be exuding joy all the time (not just during Christmas):   

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

Even throughout the Old Testament, "joy and gladness" happens often in response to God's goodness.  In the Scripture passage below, the Jews had just been saved from annihilation.  Because of God's greatness the Jews even made it into a holiday: 

Before Jesus came to save EVERYONE, we were all in complete darkness and separation from our Heavenly Father.  In the first verse below we see that through Jesus Christ we were transferred into the Kingdom of God and saved from the kingdom of darkness!!!  That certainly is a reason to be overjoyed with glee!

The grace & mercy that we have received through Jesus Christ (see second verse below) is more than enough to make us be glad and rejoice all the days of our life!!!

In a not-so-popular Christmas hymn we see the joy and gladness that the Wise Men must have experience when they saw the star:

"As with gladness men of old

did the guiding star behold;

as with joy they hailed its light,

leading onward, beaming bright;

so, most gracious God, may we

evermore be led to Thee."

(from Christmas hymn - "As With Gladness Men of Old")

Depression cannot exist when we are focusing on Jesus Christ and a blissful eternity because of what He sacrificed for us.  All we have to do is accept God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life.  

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You might be interested in viewing this video:

click HERE to view

"Family Worship Time During Advent"

DAY#7 - Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

DAY#7  Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

Welcome to Advent Season 2023!!  Advent is the season that begins the celebration of Jesus' coming to earth.  The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming".  During Advent, Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah Jesus but it is also a time to prepare for the second coming of Christ. 

I have featured a different Advent calendar each year since 2016.  This year we are featuring "Jesus is the Bridge" calendar.  Actually, this calendar does not have a Christian message - however, I have adapted it to show the true meaning of Christmas - The birth of Jesus Christ our Savior!!

If you missed yesterday click HERE for DAY#6

Why the bridge you might be asking?  Well, Jesus Christ is the reason why there is no longer any division between us.  In Galatians 3:28 (see picture below) we learn that we are ALL one in Christ.  That means it does NOT matter what color your skin is, nor what gender, it does not matter if you are from Palestine or from Israel and it does NOT matter which way you lean (politically speaking).  WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST - Jesus is the bridge that gets rid of all division and separation. 

Today is December 7th and I am opening Box7

Inside we find:

A charming little village with the church being the focal point.

Jesus is the Bridge overcoming religion and dogma, thereby freeing us to worship our Heavenly Father in spirit and in truth.   

"But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way."

John 4:23

Copyright, Permissions & Disclaimer

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Last year I did a daily video "Advent Calendar Devotion" - Below is December 7th:

 click HERE to view

"December 7th - Advent Calendar Daily Devotion"

DAY#6 - Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

DAY#6  Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

Welcome to Advent Season 2023!!  Advent is the season that begins the celebration of Jesus' coming to earth.  The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming".  During Advent, Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah Jesus but it is also a time to prepare for the second coming of Christ. 

I have featured a different Advent calendar each year since 2016.  This year we are featuring "Jesus is the Bridge" calendar.  Actually, this calendar does not have a Christian message - however, I have adapted it to show the true meaning of Christmas - The birth of Jesus Christ our Savior!!

If you missed yesterday click HERE for DAY#5

Why the bridge you might be asking?  Well, Jesus Christ is the reason why there is no longer any division between us.  In Galatians 3:28 (see picture below) we learn that we are ALL one in Christ.  That means it does NOT matter what color your skin is, nor what gender, it does not matter if you are from Palestine or from Israel and it does NOT matter which way you lean (politically speaking).  WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST - Jesus is the bridge that gets rid of all division and separation. 

Today is December 6th and I am opening Box6

Inside we find:

A beautiful living room in the process of being decorated.

Jesus is the Bridge over defeat joining us to confidence (trust in God) and endurance.   

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

Hebrews 10:35-36

Copyright, Permissions & Disclaimer

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Last year I did a daily video "Advent Calendar Devotion" - Below is December 6th:

 click HERE to view

"December 6th - Advent Calendar Daily Devotion"

DAY#5 - Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

DAY#5  Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

Welcome to Advent Season 2023!!  Advent is the season that begins the celebration of Jesus' coming to earth.  The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming".  During Advent, Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah Jesus but it is also a time to prepare for the second coming of Christ. 

I have featured a different Advent calendar each year since 2016.  This year we are featuring "Jesus is the Bridge" calendar.  Actually, this calendar does not have a Christian message - however, I have adapted it to show the true meaning of Christmas - The birth of Jesus Christ our Savior!!

If you missed yesterday click HERE for DAY#4

Why the bridge you might be asking?  Well, Jesus Christ is the reason why there is no longer any division between us.  In Galatians 3:28 (see picture below) we learn that we are ALL one in Christ.  That means it does NOT matter what color your skin is, nor what gender, it does not matter if you are from Palestine or from Israel and it does NOT matter which way you lean (politically speaking).  WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST - Jesus is the bridge that gets rid of all division and separation. 

Today is December 5th and I am opening Box5

Inside we find:

A beautiful living room in the process of being decorated.

Jesus is the Bridge over war and destruction, connecting us to peace and stability.   

"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest."

Isaiah 32:18

Copyright, Permissions & Disclaimer

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Last year I did a daily video "Advent Calendar Devotion" - Below is December 5th:

 click HERE to view

"December 5th - Advent Calendar Daily Devotion"

Tuesdays with a Twist Blog Hop #554

Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist #554!

Before we get to the blog hop today - 

during the month of October, I will be featuring past posts about potatoes or sweet potatoes (from this blog):

100 Years of Christmas Music - 1940's

Checkout wonderful seeds at Mary's Heirloom Seeds 

click HERE to shop for the best seeds

Or click picture below:

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Also, checkout one of my Bags/Purses available at Zazzle:

Evening Sun Mix Sunflower Tote Bag
by GodsGrowingGarden

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Good Morning and Welcome to another No Rules Party!

We're your hosts & co-hosts 

Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Checkout my amazing "Featured" Pinterest Board

(click HERE to view & follow)

Features!

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured. Be sure to check all of our blogs to see if you were featured! 

My Features this Week are:

1. "How to Create a Unique Jewelry Tree" by The Apple Street Cottage

2. "Victorian Christmas Dining Room" by A Debbie-Dabble Christmas

3. "Gram's Raspberry or Apricot Rugelach" by Cindy's On-Line Recipe Box

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!

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Grow your own!
Many wonderful garden products from
 "Mary's Heirloom Seeds"!!
click to view

DAY#4 - Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

DAY#4  Jesus is the Bridge Advent Calendar

Welcome to Advent Season 2023!!  Advent is the season that begins the celebration of Jesus' coming to earth.  The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming".  During Advent, Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah Jesus but it is also a time to prepare for the second coming of Christ. 

I have featured a different Advent calendar each year since 2016.  This year we are featuring "Jesus is the Bridge" calendar.  Actually, this calendar does not have a Christian message - however, I have adapted it to show the true meaning of Christmas - The birth of Jesus Christ our Savior!!

If you missed yesterday click HERE for DAY#3

Why the bridge you might be asking?  Well, Jesus Christ is the reason why there is no longer any division between us.  In Galatians 3:28 (see picture below) we learn that we are ALL one in Christ.  That means it does NOT matter what color your skin is, nor what gender, it does not matter if you are from Palestine or from Israel and it does NOT matter which way you lean (politically speaking).  WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST - Jesus is the bridge that gets rid of all division and separation. 

Today is December 4th and I am opening Box4

Inside we find:

Children building a snowman.

Jesus is the Bridge over our sins - joining us to forgiveness and eternal life.   

"Though your sins are like scarlet,

They shall be as white as snow;"

Isaiah 1:18

Copyright, Permissions & Disclaimer

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Last year I did a daily video "Advent Calendar Devotion" - Below is December 4th:

 click HERE to view

"December 4th - Advent Calendar Daily Devotion"

You're the STAR - Week#1 GARDEN (December 2023)

Let's continue to remember the reason for CHRISTmas everyday of this beautiful season.

Thank you again for joining us!

There are many ways to follow me:

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

blog  |  TruthSocial  |  facebook  |  pinterest  |  twitter  |  zazzle  |  RUMBLE

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Before we continue onto the Linky party I wanted to share from my blog:

Bible Verse Advent Calendar - DAY#4

WELCOME to the December 2023 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

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WELCOME to GARDEN feature week of the December 2023 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your GARDEN week Hosts 

 
This week is GARDEN feature week
Swing by the GARDEN Hosts blogs:
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories.  Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month. 
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#1 GARDEN - gardening, homesteading, recycling, outdoor activities &/or preserving (this can include any type of green living,  repurposed ideas, outdoor concerns, posts relating to farm animals etc all while remaining family friendly)

(These features were chosen from the November 2023 "You're the Star" blog hop)

My Fall Perennial Garden by Amy's Creative Pursuits

Grateful Among the Redwoods by Adventures in Weseland

A Glorious Sunset on the Lake by Life is Better Lakeside

October Fall Color in Michigan by Comfort Spring Station

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.
Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!
It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!
(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog.  We might also share your fantastic posts on social media.  Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though}  Thank You & ENJOY! )

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