For what is our hope, or joy, or the crown in which we glory in our Savior Jesus at the Coming?
It’s you: you are our glory and joy.
I Thessalonians 2:19
On Christmas Eve in church, we sang “Joy to the World” with gleeful delight. Christmas day we also celebrated the birth of Christ with joyful singing. After the service, I attended a brunch hosted by a parishioner. Then it was home to open presents and prepare Christmas dinner. We had our whole family and five guests as well. Then, there was clean up and bed about midnight.
With such a full day, I did not have time to write this final daily reflection of the 2011 Advent season. I couldn’t do it because I was occupied with being/experiencing/living the joy of the holy day. This brings us to the scripture verse quoted above. The writer tells the readers that they are joy. Joy is embodied. It is incarnated. You are joy. I am joy. This implies that joy is not something to be accomplished or achieved or performed or acquired. We are joy. And it is in our nature to live that joy.
Mahatma Gandhi is known for saying, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Given the scripture above, we could say, “Be the joy you wish to see in the world.” Consider taking a moment to think about how you have been joy this holy day season.
Prayer
We are grateful for the blessing of joy. May we always remember that we are joy. It is part of our nature, our composition. Let us seek to live joy for ourselves, others, and the world. Amen.
This is the last in this series of daily on line reflections for the Advent season. This was a first time initiative for Lakewood UCC. Comments and suggestions would be appreciated as this ministry is evaluated and future offerings are considered. Thank you!
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