What we have seen and heard
we declare to you, so that you may be one with us –
as we are one with Abba God
and with the Only Begotten, Jesus Christ.
We write this to fulfill our joy.
1 John 1:3-4
This is a season for lots of gatherings – family, friends, clubs, co-workers, neighbors, church folks, etc. People getting together to eat, drink, sing carols, exchange gifts, play games, watch movies, etc. We enjoy being together. When we are together, we feel a sense of connectedness and belonging. We are part of a group, something larger than just ourselves. Humans are programmed to be social, not solitary animals.
The writer of the first letter of John talks about sharing the Gospel to create community with others, with God, and with Jesus. The intent is to form relational bonds. They find fellowship united by common commitment and values. And in their case, faced with persecution and hostility, that solidarity is crucial.
The writer implies that creating community with fellow Christians, God, and Christ is to fulfill their joy. They are doing this not out of obligation or duty or loyalty. They are doing it to complete their joy. The insinuation is that joy is not complete without being experienced in community, with others, God, and Christ. So joy is not a solitary affair. Joy is experienced with others, in a relational context.
Some people say, “I’m Christian but I don’t go to church. I can follow Jesus without going to church on Sunday. I live by the ethics and values of the Gospels, but I don’t need a service on Sunday to do that.” Sometimes there are valid reasons, seasons of life, or circumstances that prevent people from being part of a church family. But for those who can be, but choose not to be, I wonder if they can experience the full joy that the writer of 1 John refers to; the joy that comes from communion with God, Christ, and the faith community.
As you look back on your church experience and your faith journey, were there times when you were part of a church, and times you were not? Does that relate to your experience of joy in your faith? Do you think that you experience more joy in your faith when you are part of a loving, supportive faith community? I know for myself, I would not do well as a solitary Christian. For me, growth in faith, in understanding, in deeper discipleship takes place in the context of the relationships with people in the church. I feel closer to God and to Jesus through the faith community. Being part of the church increases and fulfills my joy as a follower of Jesus. How is it for you?
Prayer
This Advent season, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He brought people together in relationships and formed communities of unconditional love. These communities were formed of people from all walks and stations of life. In the diversity of these communities, people found joy. May we seek to make our faith communities a cause for joy. May our church bring us closer to others, God, and Jesus to fulfill our joy and bring more JOY to the world! Amen.
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.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 