“Joy to the world, the Lord is come,” are some of the most quintessential Christmas lyrics. The song is often sung as the climax to a Christmas Eve service, as the dimly lit candle singing of “Silent Night” gives way to the much-anticipated, triumphant arrival of the birth of the Messiah. We sing these words each year. They ring in our ears all the more frequently, and yet, I’m left pondering the question, “Does Christmas bring joy?”
When we talk about the Christmas season, the words: busy and stressful quickly come to mind, but joyful? It’s a bit farther down on the list. Why do you think that is? In our worship service this coming Sunday, we will put up the “joy” banner. We will light the pink (joy) candle. We will center our consideration on the response of the shepherds to meeting the Christ child, as they “returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.”
For me, it’s easy to expect joy and happiness to come at “special” times. A long-anticipated trip, a visit to the “happiest place on earth,” or a family holiday with all the right people. These occasions are special (and hopefully joy-filled), but they also carry a certain amount of pressure and expectations. What if everything doesn’t go “just right?” How do we respond? This week, I will be focused on the response of the shepherds who experienced this amazing and wonderful event – angels, a star, a child born… just as it had been told them. They were happy. They were excited. But, they didn’t linger. Scripture says they returned to the fields; to their work; to their everyday lives. How can the “joy” of the Christmas season prepare me for contentment, happiness, and joy in every season?
This is my prayer for each of us. Share with me your thoughts – I need some help.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam
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