From Edie: Discover how the spiritual practice of joy begins with seeking shelter in God. This reflection for writers explores the Christmas story, the theme of divine refuge, and how resting in God’s presence renews creativity, clarity, and purpose. A gentle invitation for writers to create from a place of joy and holy shelter.
Spiritual Practices for Writers: The Practice of Joy
by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank
But may all who take shelter in you be happy. May they continually shout for joy. Shelter them so that those who are loyal to you may rejoice. Certainly you reward the godly, LORD. Like a shield you protect them in your good favor (Psalm 5:11-12).
From the start, the story of Christmas is a story of sheltering. God sought a shelter for His Son, and found it in the pure heart and womb of the virgin girl named Mary. Mary and her holy child needed shelter from the cultural consequences of shame, and Joseph chose not to withdraw his name and his promise, marrying her instead of quietly divorcing her. On the night of His birth, Jesus and His faithful parents needed shelter, and a compassionate heart defied societal edicts by offering a stable. Some tree, somewhere, was cut down, hewed into a manger, and became the holy shelter of the newborn Messiah. Joy to the world!
