My love of early mornings and watching the sun rise never grows old. Having lived in our home for over thirty years now, there is still an awe which fills my soul as I look out at the woods down back and wait.
The other morning I woke early, or should I say earlier. It was yet too dark to see anything, not even the faintest hint of trees or branches could be seen.
Opening my devotional, I read:
” … hear instead the majestic sounds of the great symphony of God’s incredible plan to rescue, redeem and restore the whole of creation.”
(from A Strange Christmas by Krish Kandiah)
Within minutes of reading the few pages, glancing back out, the sun was rising in all of its beauty and splendor. All I could do was to watch in silence for a few brief moments, when it hit me that I wanted to capture it so as to not forget.
Standing in the cold air of the morning, I could hear the sounds of God’s symphony. The words gently fell over my soul like a sweet balm:
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NASB)
The splendor of the sunrise was quietly shouting – “The sun always rises! I am faithful!”
Coming inside, I turned to the pages in my Bible to continue reading:
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” (verses 24-25, NASB)
The words, so familiar fell anew, in the context of Advent – the season of waiting.
As long as we are waiting for Him, we have hope. Isn’t that the true message of Christmas? Yes, Christ came as a babe in a manger. But He is yet coming as our long awaited King.
This is the reason it is always Christmas in our hearts …
“Can you hear it
The song that is calling you home
Do you know it
The love that says you’re not alone
Can you hear it
The song that is calling you home
Do you know it
The love that says you’re not alone
Can you hear it
The song that is calling you home
Do you know it
The love that says you’re not alone
Anymore.”(from “Song In The Air” by Christy Nockels)
May we hear the majestic sounds of God’s great symphony and
may we forever echo the song!
Merry Christmas!
Janis Van Keuren challenges us with these questions: “What are our hearts singing this Christmas? Are we rejoicing with the angels and shepherds that God’s word has come to pass?” You can read her post, Joyful Strains from an Angel Choir HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
 Merry Christmas!
Today I am joining …
I can just picture your morning experience and almost hear the symphony. What a beautiful illustration of God’s new mercies every morning and reminder of His consistent faithfulness.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
I am so very grateful for the constant reminder of our God’s faithfulness and mercies to us each and every day. May you and your family have a most blessed Christmas, Barbara!
Really enjoyed listening to the music. Music is such a great metaphor for the Gift of Jesus, so it is a fitting response.
Merry Christmas and many thanks for all the ways you encourage and bless throughout the year.
Michele, God’s Word and music are a lifeline for me. I cannot even express how both fill my heart and mind to overfill 🙂 Blessings, friend!
Joanne, thank you for this hope-filled message today! Yes, as long as we are waiting for Him, we have hope, such precious comfort for hard days. Thank you also for the music, I needed a good place to land, rest and recharge today and I found it here with you, thank you dear friend. May all the fullness of God’s JOY and peace embrace you this Christmas!
Lovely. Thank you for sharing.
This is beautiful! I like how you pointed out the rising of the sun each day is a reminder of His faithfulness.
I love how you used your senses to be in wonder of God. And how you connected this to Advent as well. So true: “As long as we are waiting for Him, we have hope.” I need to remember this. Thanks, Joanne.
Faith = prevailing =faith! I love that! Thank you Joanne 💕
May you have a wonderful Christmas with your family 🤗
Bless you,
Jennifer
Joanne, this is beautiful! Your photo and words made joy leap in my soul because of God’s faithfulness.
Joanne,
This is my favorite Christmas cd (does anyone else listen to cd’s any more? lol). The sun/Son always rises — He is faithful! Amen! Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Love this message, Joanne. I hope you get endless reasons to smile and rejoice in the upcoming year! Have a blessed Christmas. Blessings.
Thank you, Joanne, for taking us with you to enjoy the outdoor symphony. So worshipful. And with you I want to echo the song! Merry Christmas!
Such a beautiful sunrise, Joanne! I’m so thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning. I’ve noticed, on my morning runs, that the sunrises are always more glorious when there are clouds in the sky. I’m thinking there’s a spiritual application in there somewhere … what do you think? 🙂