Strong spirits: joy
Joy doesn't just happen. We have to receive it, choose it, and, if we want it to grow, share it.
When was a time you experience real joy?
While I have had lots of joy in my life, one particular time I recall was my wedding day, 50 years ago this month! I remember just being overwhelmed with gladness, joy, and God's goodness! How about you?
At Christmas, we consider the incomparable joy of God coming to join us in this hard, often dark world. When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited her elderly, pregnant cousin Elizabeth, Elizabeth's baby jumped for joy! (Luke 1:44). When the shepherds encountered angels in the dark field around Bethlem, they were at first terrified. I would be too! But the angels told them to relax - that they had come to bring "good news of great joy for all people!" (Luke 2:10). All people! What great, good, joyful news!
We are admonished by the apostle Paul to rejoice at all times. Jesus tells his disciples (and us) that his intention was that his joy would be theirs (ours), and their (our) joy would be full! (John 15:11).
Joy doesn't just happen. We have to receive it, choose it, and, if we want it to grow, share it. I pray God's rich joy for you this Christmas. It's one of the best gifts you can receive!
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
