Rejoice! ~ Advent 2017

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!"
~ Philippians 4:4
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So often we forget that one of the most powerful things we are to do with the birth of the Savior is to rejoice!

With all the running around and attempts to make everything just right, we some how lose the meaning between aisle six and seven at the store!

We forget that the gift of Christ is for ALL of humanity! This gift has already been given and remains the "reason for the season."

Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!

In God's unfailing love for each if us, Jesus was born. Our sharing with one another a gift is simply secondary. Remembering the true gift of Christmas should help to reduce the stress of the holiday, not add to it!

"Behold, a child is born!"

​"Rejoice!"


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Rejoice, America, in God our Savior!
Celebrate today the real gift of Christmas.
From Juneau, Miami, Ann Arbor and Capistrano,
Let carols be sung and the story told.
In the dunes of Indiana, sing His glad song;
On Galveston’s delta beaches, remember His birth.
Our Messiah has appeared among us forever;
His birth offers a new hope on earth.

Let mountain aspen, Midwestern sassafras, and
Western sequoias salute him,
Banana, cedar, fern and red maple tree.
Let dry places blossom with lilacs,
And plains turn blue with Texas bonnets.
Sing, all mountains, plains, and forests;
Wetlands and high plains proclaim jubilee!

Move as swift as the wind, prairie pronghorn,
To the smallest of barn creatures, spread the word!
Shine your joy, oh you beautiful chameleon,
Dance, elegant pink flamingos!
Chatter the story, mocking birds and city starlings,
Give all creatures of the air the news you have heard!

Join the celebration, all those who live in our nation’s land;
Even those who are dreaming of her shores!
All people, come and worship in suburbs and the deepest hollows,
On the crowded city corners, or at desert water holes!
Latinos, make him your best amigo!
Descendants of American revolutionists, sing your praise!
New Americans from Asia, Europe and Africa,
Bring to us the heritage of His ways!

Rejoice America, in God our Savior;
Sing, land of old and one of the youngest of nations!
In the arms of Mary,
we see salvation,
that has answered the need
of so many generations who waited.
Arise, laugh, dance and sing,
For behold, we have a glorious King!

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017