Haloed Ground

John 16:33These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Oh, the joy of those moments when, like an epiphany the message in the treasured age-old 'Christmas Story' opens our eyes anew, to wonders as we ponder themysteries of God's love... As we follow the example of Joseph and trust God's wordthough we don't understand the beginning from the end! The Birth of Jesus Matt.1:18-21 BSB(; ) This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” In this world we will have troubleBut we are not doomed to lossIn the dark and hurting rubbleOf life’s trouble, stands the cross In this world we will have sorrowBut we are not doomed to tearsFaith today is hope tomorrowIn life’s sorrow, Mercy cheers/hears In this world we will have trialsDreamlands turned to battlegroundsBut in spite of dream-denialsIn life’s trials, grace abounds In this world we will have testingHigh-fives tumbled/humbled by low blowsThis is not God’s cruel jestingIn life’s testing, wisdom grows In this world we will have dark valesAs we walk by faith, not sight Love holds a Lamp that never failsIn life’s dark vales, shines His Light In this world we will have sadnessBut, behold hope's haloed groundGod's peace cheers the soul with gladnessIn life's sadness, joy is found Janet Martin Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee By Henry van Dyke and Beethoven Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee Opening to the sun above Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise Field and forest, vale and mountain Flowery meadow, flashing sea Singing bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing, ever blessed Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest Thou our Father Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine Teach us how to love each other Lift us to the joy divine Mortals, join the happy chorus Which the morning stars began Father love is reigning o'er us Brother love binds man to man Ever singing, march we onward Victors in the midst of strife Joyful music leads us sunward In the triumph song of life Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day