I’m very pleased to make a book drawing available for an Advent devotional by Christine Trimpe: “Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke: A Christmas to Calvary Advent Countdown.”
Prepare your heart for a worshipful Christmas season. And you could win a copy! Please make a comment on this blog post in order to enter the drawing. UPDATE: The drawing is concluded and Audrey is the winner. Congratulations, Audrey1
Here’s an excerpt from Christine’s book to let you know how wonderful it is.
Also discover a link below to receive FREE two BONUS devotions from Christine.
Have No Fear—Joy Is Here!
by Christine Trimpe
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord’” (vv. 10–11, emphasis mine).
Consider these terrified shepherds. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if they had chosen to run for the hills. I mean, come on, admit it, if this happened to you today, what might be your first instinct? I’ll tell you my truth! In my past, I most definitely would run and hide. I did it for decades.
I have some terrifying truths in my past—fear of rejection, isolation, humiliation, judgment, comparison, and being the topic of gossip. I was never in a hurry to put myself in the middle of fear. Instead, I remained paralyzed and ineffective in sharing the good news.
Sure, I believed, but I was never obedient, nor did I have a willing heart to respond like the shepherds.
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger” (v. 16, emphasis mine).
They hurried off. They were excited. And they responded in obedience to their role in the story. The result? They returned to their calling while glorifying and praising the Lord (v. 20). Look at the amazing testimony they left behind. I can imagine the stories they told to their friends and family—and most likely, even complete strangers.
These lowly shepherds were the first to share this good news of great joy to the amazement of all who would listen. And what was Mary feeling as she witnessed these events? Let’s look into the heart of this momma.
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (v. 19, emphasis mine).
Oh, this verse fills my own heart with awe and wonder. Indeed, the premise of the questions at the end of each chapter in this book require you to spend time pondering and treasuring the gifts of joy you find in this journey. I can’t wrap my brain around the magnitude of being the mother of the Messiah. How about you? I wonder—was Mary frightened? Overwhelmed? Full of anxiety? Or was she full of peace and joy in her quiet reflection? Verse 19 speaks volumes of peace in the simple and beautiful description by Luke.
Be encouraged through the joy we find today in God’s Word. He sent an angel to tell these shepherds, “Have no fear, joy is here.” Surely, He is fulfilling this promise to you today.
Ponderings
When the shepherds returned to their community, they were filled with the great joy the angels told them about. In response, they shared the good news with everyone. What does great joy look like to you?
Finding Joy
The shepherds’ fear turned to joy. Their joy emboldened them to spread the word about Jesus. Mary held this miraculous story close to her mother’s heart with great joy.
Christine Trimpe
Christine, thank you so much for blessing us with these insights for our Christmas joy.
Dear readers: to enter your name into the drawing, make a comment on this blog post. The drawing ends the evening of Thursday, December 2nd, 2021. Only USA addresses can win. UPDATE: the drawing is closed and Audrey is the winner. Congratulations, Audrey! And thank you to everyone who participated.
Christine Trimpe is an author, speaker, joy seeker, and weight-loss warrior. After losing over a hundred pounds in her joy-filled journey of healing, God instilled a passion within her to inspire, motivate, and encourage women to pursue healthy, holy living—body, mind, and spirit. Rescued from living for decades as a “casual Christian,” Christine speaks and writes for women all over the world, sharing the freedom Christ offers when we choose the path of surrender and sacrifice. Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke is Christine’s debut book, a twenty-five-day Christmas advent encouraging readers to live in the joy of the Lord despite their circumstances. Her transformation story and Bible and Beans blog can be found at ChristineTrimpe.com. Email her at [email protected] for speaking inquiries.
Grab Christine’s Early Christmas gift for you––bonus chapters of Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke: https://christinetrimpe.com/seeking-joy-bonus-chapters/
Details to order Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke: https://christinetrimpe.com/joy
I am so excited to share this good news of great joy this December! My favorite tradition in December is to journey through Luke from December 1 to December 24 as I countdown to Christmas. Do you have a favorite tradition?
Christine, I’m excited about sharing your book “Seeking Joy” and making it my December book to offer a copy in a drawing. As for my favorite tradition, I love to think of experiences at Christmas from the past. In my growing up family of 3 children, many gifts were already wrapped and put under the tree, but several were put there by “Santa” for us to see Christmas morning. But those gifts weren’t wrapped. My mother insisted we children eat our Malto-Meal (breakfast) before we could open presents. But we had to get to the kitchen by walking through the living room where the Christmas tree was. Big problem! We might see the unwrapped gifts. So someone came up with the idea of being carried by daddy or Uncle Frank from the bedroom to the kitchen with a blanket over our heads. Without planning a “tradition,” a tradition was born. We all looked forward to the fun every Christmas morning and even as adults would refer to that “tradition” which no one planned to be a tradition. I love to remind young moms who fear they aren’t making traditions, that you never know what will be meaningful or significant in the minds and hearts of their children. If you do something more than once, it has the potential to be a tradition.
This sounds like an amazing book. Congratulations, and many blessings on you and each reader.
Thank you, Lisa, for commenting and affirming Christine’s wonderful book. I’ve put your name into the drawing!
Joy is feeling a bit more elusive than usual this year. Sounds like just the book I need!
I think many of us are feeling the same, Renee. Thank you for sharing. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Looks like a great book!
So glad you are a part of the drawing, Darlene. I’m so tickled that I can support this book.
I absolutely love using the word: AWE whenever I think or read about Christmas! This sounds like a great book!!!!
Thanks for participating, Nicci. Isn’t it wonderful we can find new inspiring resources like “Seeking Joy” for our Christmas season? I’m sure this book will help us not take this signficant season for granted.
What an amazing book. I would love to read it.
Thanks for putting your name into the drawing, Audrey. Have a blessed Christmas!
Congratulations, Audrey! You are the winner of the drawing. I will connect you with Christine by email. Thank you so much for participating on my blog.
congratulations and blessing on your new book! Luke is my favorite book of the bible! Thanks for the chance to win!
How fun to hear that the book of Luke is a favorite with you, Charlene. I know Christine’s book will bless you. Thanks for entering the drawing.
Congratulations Ms. Christine. I pray many lives are touched by your book ma’am. God’s blessings.
Thanks for supporting Christine, J.D. I know she appreciates it. Your name is in the drawing.
Thanks for giving us a chance to win. Looks like a amazing book.
It’s always a joy to hear from you, Noelle. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Oh Kathy! That is such a precious memory and tradition. I can hear the laughter of those children being carried now. Thanks for sharing. You are so right . . . the most unexpected thing can become a joy-filled tradition!
Thank you, Lisa! Lord continues to bless my annual journey through Luke in such joy-filled ways. I never imagined my first book would be a Christmas devotional. He sure is fun! Merry Christmas. With Joy, Christine
Hi Renee! This book was born from our season of weariness in 2020! A most unusual Christmas, indeed. I pray every day for our weary world as I sing “the weary world rejoices…a thrill of hope!” Merry Christmas. With Joy, Christine
Thank you, Darlene. I love journeying through Luke each December. I’m truly blessed this journey turned into a book to share the good news of great joy.
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Nicci! AWE…doesn’t He just leave our hearts filled with awe in this advent season (and every day, indeed)!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Audrey! I would love for you to go on the joy-seeking journey through Luke with me this December!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Charlene!
Luke is most definitely my favorite book, too. I love the chance to get to know my relatable Jesus better and better every time I study through it.
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hello J.D.! Thank you so much for your kind encouragement and for connecting and sharing on Twitter! I do appreciate it!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hello Noelle! Thank you for reading and adding a comment for a chance to win the book. The Gospel of Luke is amazing, and I’m overjoyed to share my insights from what I’ve learned through the journey each December.
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Yes and yes. We all need a book like this especially right now!
Mona.
Thanks for entering, Mona. It is a needy time and world.
The book sounds amazing and would love to read it one day
Amber, I know whether you win it or purchase it, you will enjoy it. I’ve entered your name in the drawing.
Hi Mona! Joy to the World! Yes, we all need to seek, find, and share joy!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Amber! I’d love to have you join the joy-seeking journey!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Thank you for sharing such wisdom for these trying and anxious times. Wishing you the blessings of the season.
Thanks for stopping by, Linda. I’ve entered your name.
With a brain disease, and just life… I could SO use a book on joy. Thank you for the chance!!
Mya, our hearts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time for you. Thanks for entering the drawing.
This sounds like a book that I could use right now. I am feeling kind of down this year. All vaccinated and up to date, but other health problems are keeping me from doing my usual volunteer things and days at the pool. Looks intriguing.
Thank you for sharing, Vicki, so that we can be praying for you. I know many of us can relate to you. Doesn’t quite seem like the happiest season. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Would love to win and join in this Advent reading. Thank you for the opportunity!
I’m so glad Christine has made her book available to the winner. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
So excited for a chance to win this devotional
Thanks for entering, Judy. God bless you.
What a great giveaway!
I’ve entered your name into the drawing, Patti. Thanks for stopping by again.
I would love to read this devotional. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
Always a treat to hear from you, Julie. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Thank you for the chance to win a cooy of your book! I want a journey of joy, so your nook sounds amazing. Congratulations, and blessings!
I’ve put your name into the drawing, Jeanie. Have a blessed Christmas.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this Christmas Devotional.
May God Bless You and Family.
I’ve put your name into the drawing, Cathleen. Have a blessed Christmas.
Thank you for offering this wonderful devotion this Advent season.
You are very welcome, Theresa. Thanks for entering.
I would love to have a copy of this devotional this Christmas season
I’m glad to enter your name into the drawing, Wendy.
Thank you, Linda! Christmas blessings to you as well!
With Joy,
Christine
Mya, I am so sorry to hear about your brain disease. I care for a loved one with a brain injury. I have prayed a healing prayer for you!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Vicki! This journey through Luke each December has been such a wonderful pick-me-up and reminder of our many blessings. I hope you come along on the journey!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Linda! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Judy! Thanks for entering!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Patti P! Yes, going on a joy-seeking journey in Luke is great fun!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Julie B! Thanks for stopping by!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Jeanie! A joy-seeking journey is AH-mazing!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Cathleen! God bless you, too!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Theresa! Thank you for stopping by!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Hi Wendy! Thank you for your entry!
Merry Christmas!
With Joy,
Christine
Thank you everyone for your kind comments and encouragement. This devotional is a passion of my heart to go on a journey through Luke together. Get to know our relatable Jesus and remember to always choose joy!
The journey begins on December 1––if you’d like to grab a copy an E-Book today, you can find on Amazon for Kindle or the free Kindle app. https://amzn.to/3BWYx3z
It sounds like a great advent devotional! Thank you for the chance to win.
You are very welcome, Amanda. Have a blessed Christmas.
This sounds like a wonderful devotional!
Amber, thanks for entering the drawing. Blessings to you.
Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent. I appreciate the opportunity. God bless you.
Debra, I’m also grateful for Christine sharing her valuable insights. Thanks for responding to the book drawing opportunity. Your name is in!
“Have no fear, joy is here!” Looking forward to Christine’s book and devotionals! Thank you for sharing her talents with us.
Hi Jenny, I’m so glad you are putting your name in the drawing. It gives me joy to know you are now acquainted with another author like you!
The shepherds’ fear. The last 2 years have been a time filled with more fear than usual! Pondering and joy are good ways to battle these fears and be encouraged. Thanks!
Hi Bonnie, it’s wonderful to connect with you again. We really do need to ponder about joy in the midst of these uncertain times. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
It is time to put fear aside and trust in the Lord for guidance. Society and the government tell us to be fearful. In Acts 5:29 Peter says we must obey God’s laws not man’s laws. I pray for strength, wisdom, integrity faith and Tenacity to do God’s will.
You are absolutely right, Barbara. That’s why I’m so glad Christine’s book is available to strengthen us to trust God more and more. I’ve put your name into the drawing. Thanks so much for participating.
Our family tradition for Christmas started with Christmas Eve. We would receive one gift, which was always a new pair of jammies, normally the footy kind with the zipper that went from your neck to your toes and always pinched you. Then, before bed we would sit in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, and a peppermint stick. My mom would read, “The Night Before Christmas,” and we would set out a mug of eggnog, cookies, and a carrot for the reindeer along with a letter to Santa. The next morning, we would have to wait until my dad got his cup of coffee and smoked a cigarette, then set up the video camera at the end of the hallway. We had this never ending hallway that seemed even longer on Christmas morning. We lined up at my room, since it was the furthest from the living room, from oldest to youngest, and were cued as to when we could make our way down the hallway. When we were released, we got to check out all the gifts from Santa that were unwrapped, then sit in our bean bags, and patiently wait for my dad to pass out the gifts. After all the gifts were opened, we did stockings, and then cleaned up all the wrapping paper. We would eat coffee cake for breakfast, and play the rest of the day!
Jennifer, what a fun tradition to hear about. I especially liked the idea of coffee cake. Just give me the coffee cake and no one will be hurt! Thanks so much for participating in the drawing.
Thank you, Amanda! There is so much JOY in the Gospel of Luke!
Merry Christmas!
Christine
Thank you, Amber! Dr. Luke writes a wonderful account of our Savior, Jesus!
Merry Christmas!
Christine
Thank you, Debra! It was a delight to write about my joy-seeking adventures through Luke!
Merry Christmas!
Christine
Thank you, Jenny! Today the angels remind us to have no fear (in Luke 2)!
Merry Christmas!
Christine
Hello Bonnie! Indeed the past two years have been so hard. But we remember––the weary world rejoices!
Merry Christmas!
Christine
You are so right, Barbara! I used to live in fear, but thanks to God’s Word––He’s transforming my life!
Merry Christmas!
Christine
Jennifer, what happy memories! I also got the neck-pinching footy pajamas every Christmas eve 🙂
Merry Christmas!
Christine