Advent in Exile - Christmas Longing With IsaiahSample

Joy is not determined by current circumstances; those can change with the wind. Joy is determined [discovered, found] in your destiny, so that no matter where your circumstances land you, joy is ever present. Who is the author of your destiny?

As I continue to surrender my heart/will to the care of Jesus Christ, I find that when adversity and trials make a home in my circumstances, I no longer ask WHY?? Instead, I ask how; HOW are You going to use this to grow me, Father?

When we find our destiny within Jesus Christ, we open the door to our heart and invite Him in. His indwelling presence brings the gift of JOY, inspiring HOPE in the midst of hardship.

Christian JOY is a profound decision marked by FAITH & HOPE, in and through a source greater than anything self or the world can offer or procure. We find joy when we choose to align our life willingly and completely in the power of Jesus' own life [light] and love.

I read a quote about joy in: A Surrendered YES by Rebekah Lyons that has stuck with me. "Joy is not the absence of darkness. Joy is confidence that the darkness will lift. Are you living in the JOY and celebration God has freed you to live in?"

"In Light of this Advent Season, what is your heart longing for?"

-Ardena Hamill