Daily Devotionals
December 14, 2017
Mouths Filled with Laughter
December 14, 2017
DAILY READING
This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
FIELD NOTES
This hymn gives the singer a chance to revel in the anticipated joy of a restored Zion when the fortunes and future of the people of God are given back to them. And they “come home with shouts of joy.” While that kind of joy may be difficult for us to imagine, we have all had moments of joy that we can reclaim and measure against it.
Often these moments happen in the season of celebrating Advent and Christmas. One that comes to mind is a substantial Christmas gift from parents-in-law that helped our struggling young family. It was a wonderfully humbling, generous and joy-giving. We, in turn, have been blessed to gift our children in similar ways, filling our “mouths with laughter…the Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”
The gift of the baby Jesus must have been so for his Heavenly Father. Even knowing the end of the story, there was much joy for so many to feel and celebrate.
May shouts of joy surround us. We have so much for which to be thankful. May we be filled with so much laughter that we cannot speak. Not just because we can’t, but because there is no need.
QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD
- When was the last time your “mouth was filled with laughter”?
- What was the occasion?
- How can we reclaim that feeling?
FAMILY FIELD TALK
- How can we make this season more joyful?
- What can we do to laugh more? To make others laugh? To celebrate all that God has done for us more?
PRAYER GUIDE
Help us remember, God of laughter and joy, that all good things come from You. Teach us, again, in this joyous season to hold fast to your promise and be filled with joy. Amen.