Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NASB)

Christmas. She used to love Christmas.

 Until this year. She hated this place. She wanted to go home. But her son had sold her home. Just because she fell off the ladder and broke her hip. He had scolded her. Well, he wasn’t around, and she wanted to fix that curtain. So, she got the ladder and climbed up and did just that. But then her foot slipped when she had only two steps before she was back on solid ground. She had laid there for several hours because she couldn’t move. He had given her a 911 necklace to wear, but she didn’t like it and she had foolishly left it on her dresser. Fat lot of good it did on the dresser.

She had been here six months. Her hip was healed, and she could walk just fine. The other folks here were very friendly. She even had a couple of friends. But it still wasn’t her home. She sat pouting in her rocking chair. A knock sounded on her door. She toddled over and opened it.

 Her two friends shouted, “Merry Christmas Edna!” as loud as they could and laughed their way into her room. They had on silly sparkly Christmas sweaters and packages in their hands.

 “Where’s your Christmas sweater, Edna?” Bonnie said. “We came to take you to the party with us.”

Caroline chimed in. “Yeah! It’s gonna be fun!”

 Scowling, Edna said, “I don’t have any ‘Christmas sweaters’ and I don’t want to go to a party.”

The nurse had come in behind them and said, “Yes you do Edna,” and she went to her closet and pulled out a nice red sweater with pearls sown around the neckline.

“Well, I don’t have a present,” she said as she crossed her arms in front of her.

“Look, I brought an extra one!” Connie said in a sing-songy voice.

 “Humph. Guess I don’t have a choice,” she grumbled as the nurse shoved the sweater over her head.

 “Nope,” said Caroline handing over the gift she had brought for her.

They made their way to the dining room where the beautifully decorated and lighted Christmas tree stood. Everyone was there. Christmas music and laughter spilled out into the hallway. Edna stopped in the door and looked around. All her neighbors were enjoying snacks and punch and singing along with the music. Some were dancing. Colorful lights blinked on and off playfully.

 A chorus of, “Hi Edna! Glad you made it!” rang out as she stood there.

 A tear rolled down her cheek. I never would have had a party if I were at home. I wouldn’t have these friends surrounding me, if I were at home. I would be all alone and sad if I were at home, she thought. “I’m a stubborn old woman. I guess my son was right. This is where I need to be. Thank You God, for loving an unhappy, grumpy ol’ lady. I sure don’t deserve it. Thank You for giving me hope, even though I couldn’t, or wouldn’t see it,” she whispered as Caroline and Bonnie pulled her into the room and showed her where to put her gift.

You are too good to me, Lord, she thought as she began to sing Christmas songs with joy in her heart and a smile on her face.

And now we pray…

Lord, sometimes we don’t understand Your ways. Well, most of the time. Help us to trust You to guide us down the right path in all things. Thank You for loving us even when we’re stubborn and grumpy. Thank You, Lord, for everything.

In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN! 

I’ve Got the Joy (© Barb Witt 12/23/2019)

About the Author:

Barb Witt is a Christian wife, mother and grandmother who loves gardening, quilting, crafting, writing poetry and devotions, and is working on a children’s book. She has created an email devotional and prayer warrior ministry that she sends out daily. If you’re interested in being added to her email list let us know.