The theme for this Advent season at Lakewood United Church of Christ is JOY to the World. Each day during the Advent season, a reflection on a scripture passage related to JOY will be posted. We hope these daily reflections help you to have a joy-filled Advent.
My greatest source of joy is to hear that my children live by the truth.
3 John 4
In thinking about the many funerals and memorial services I have been to over the years, I have never heard someone say about the deceased, “I am thankful for the car he gave me.” Or, “I will never forget the boat she gave me for my birthday.” Or, “I will always remember him for the football he gave me.” At a memorial for someone who has died, we generally remember the values and morals and character strengths of the person. We share these through stories and remembrances. These are the things that we have received from the friend or loved one that mean the most. We don’t usually reflect in an ultimate manner on material things given, but on life lessons and values shared.
When older people express worries about their children or grandchildren, they are often not too concerned with how they are making it materially, but are questioning their values, morals, relationships, and attitudes. Often the concern is about character. The parents and grandparents worry that they have not successfully passed on their values to the next generations.
In the verse above from the third letter of John, the writer expresses great joy that these new Christians, referred to as children because they are young in their faith, are living by the truth. What the writer is grateful for and joyful about is that the values and morals and character traits that are important to him are being passed on. The new believers are living according to the commonwealth of God. They have a new vision of reality. This is a source of great joy, in fact, the greatest joy, to the writer of the letter.
In this season of gift giving, it is a time to think about what we give to each other. What we share. What we pass on from generation to generation. This verse reminds us that the greatest joy may come from values, insights, world view, and character that are given and shared, rather than from material things.
Think about what is important to you. Think about your core values. Think about how you came to appreciate them. How did you learn about them? Who shared them with you? These are gifts that you have received from others, and they should be a source of great joy. More joy than any kitchen gadget, toy, or jewelry that you have received as a gift.
So as Christmas approaches, take joy in remembering those from whom you have learned the truth that you live by. Consider the joy of sharing that truth with others. Be the example that you wish to see in others. Live by the truth, and you will know joy!
Prayer
In this season of shopping and gift giving, may we remember that the most important gifts exchanged are values, morals, and the truth of our living. May we open ourselves to receiving truth from others. May we share our truth. So may our joy increase! Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 