Advent Reflections: Shadows of Joy

Something amazing happened at our house one December day–we opened the blinds on our front door to let some sunshine into the house. No, that’s not the amazing part, though we are rarely home during the day to do this.

I’m sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a mid-morning cup of coffee when Nancy says, “Sweetheart, come in here and look at this!”

As soon as I set foot in the living room, I see it: a perfect shadow of the word JOY on the wall. A look across the room reveals the source–sunlight blasting through the blinds.

The pristine silhouette lasted about ten minutes until the angle of the sun changed. Alas, the poet Robert Frost said it best, “Nothing gold can stay.”

Or can it?

God’s most precious gifts never expire. When Jesus was born, only a few folks knew who He really was. Yet, 2000 years later, He’s still saving lives!

…for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

John 4:42b (KJV)

Kind reader, the finest delights of this fleeting world are like shadows on the wall. Yet heaven’s enduring joy is the real thing, shining straight from God’s throne!


Whose Joy?

This joy that I have

The world can’t take it away

It belongs to God


You will go out with joy and be led forth with peace;

Isaiah 55:12a (NIV)

Thank you for reading. Prayers and love.

#Advent2025


The Stigma Stops Here.🛑

#mentalhealthmatters


Other Bloggers in this Advent Series

Loring Schultz  – Word For The Soul

Alan Kearns – Devotional Treasure

Nathan R Dooley – Time For Providence

Bridget Thomas – Every Day is a Gift

Rainer Bantau – The Devotional Guy

Barb Hegreberg – My Life in our Father’s World

Cindi West – God Still Speaks


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21 responses to “Advent Reflections: Shadows of Joy”

  1. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you for reading and commenting, Linda. I didn’t realize my post went along with the Feast of St. Lucia. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Linda Raha Avatar

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with us! Your post coincides with the feast day of St. Lucia, patron saint of light!!! (December 13th)

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Joy is a great word of the year. Thanks for reading and reading and commenting, Chris. God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Chris G Thelen Avatar

    Joy has been our word for the year. Your post is a great reminder of where our true joy can be found. Blessings to you for the Christmas season.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’re welcome, Pastor Pete. God’s light can shine through the smallest opening!

    Like

  6. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Nicola. God Bless!

    Like

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks for sharing, Bridget. As our friend Pastor Pete says, “The joy of the Lord is a great escape strategy.”
    Two Jesus minis in the same place?! The more of Christ the better. 🤗

    Liked by 2 people

  8. My Life in Our Father's World Avatar

    🎶 Joy Joy Joy Overflowing 🎶

    Liked by 2 people

  9. jesusluvsall Avatar

    The Joy of the Lord is my strength

    Liked by 2 people

  10. davidsdailydose Avatar

    It really was a miraculous ten minutes, brother. It happened three years ago, and hasn’t occurred again since that time. It truly felt like the Lord sent us a message in that shadow of joy. His light still shines!!

    Liked by 2 people

  11. davidsdailydose Avatar

    God’s supercharged hope. I love it, brother Alan!
    Yes, this is a repost, of sorts, from two years ago. It fit the Advent theme for those week, so I repurposed it.
    Thank you for reading and commenting, dear brother in Christ from the Kingdom of Fife! 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

    Liked by 2 people

  12. pastorpete51 Avatar

    Thank you for sharing your 10 minute window to Joy. Great lesson for us all, Dave!

    Liked by 2 people

  13. seeingliketheeagle Avatar

    Love this David. What a beautiful shadow piece 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Bridget Avatar

    I had forgotten about this, so I’m thankful you shared it again. Such a wonderful reminder of the Joy we find in Jesus, and how what He offers us lasts for all eternity. Side note, I thought about you last night. I went into a local restaurant to pick up food, and I saw two Jesus minis on the cash registers. I wanted to take a picture, but I had left my phone in the car. They still brightened my day. And if you had not shared the story about them, I might have easily overlooked them. So thank you for that! God bless you and Nancy!

    Liked by 3 people

  15. God Still Speaks Avatar

    I remember it too, and agree with Alan, it is good to see it again and it fits perfectly with Advent2025!

    Liked by 4 people

  16. The Devotional Guy™ Avatar

    I love how the shadow of joy blessed you and Nancy on this day. What an amazing reminder of God‘s goodness. I’m thankful for a living, risen Savior who is still saving lives and redeeming souls. Thanks for sharing this poignant moment reminding us of the joy we find in Christ, David.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Alan Kearns Avatar

    I remember this encouraging message David, and it is lovely to read it again – thank you! What Joy we have in our Saviour born in a stinky stable; it is an everlasting joy, shining in our lives as a constant reminder of the promise of Heaven someday…that will be supercharged Joy on that day! God bless you and Nancy today 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏

    Liked by 5 people

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