Letting Joy In

I'm writing this after attending my first school Christmas concert. Well, the first since I was in a school Christmas concert. My eldest daughter's grade 2 class was the last group to perform before the finale, leaving quite a bit of time to grow completely numb from the waist down thanks to the seats that were placed almost impossibly close together. I didn't have room to take my coat off, so it also became very warm in the jam-packed gymnasium. And, of course, I should have said "Holiday concert", because while the word "Christmas" did pop up from time to time there was no explanation offered in word or song for why we celebrate the holiday apart from the appearance of Santa.

So it wasn't ideal. But you know what? It was lovely, too. Besides getting to see my daughter perform I also enjoyed seeing the pride and joy of the kids of all grades and the obvious care and effort their teachers and school staff had put in to help them. There is something about the voices of happy children and the way their different personalities shine through that is a blessing to see.

This past Sunday as we marked the 3rd Sunday of Advent we considered joy in different circumstances. I think of the angel chorus who declared that the shepherds were about to receive good news that would bring them great joy - that a Saviour had been born. And they did experience joy - joy that had them running through the streets announcing the good news once they had met Jesus.

The life of a shepherd was hard - they didn't enjoy any riches or comfort and endured great disrespect in their time. When things are hard we can become hardened to joy. We shut it out, focusing instead on everything that is wrong in our lives. It can happen on a very busy and stressful day when we just don't want to hear that friend's funny story or watch the cute thing your child wants to show you. It can come after a season of repeated disappointments and struggles which can make people emotionally and spiritually numb.

So today I simply want to encourage anyone reading this to look for opportunities to let joy in. Don't focus on the cramped seating, look at the kid singing her heart out next to the other kid who is so distracted he's at risk of falling off the stage, and enjoy. Reminisce about times of happiness and joy. Don't turn away people who try to lift your spirit.

And ask God to bring joy into your circumstances. Jesus' birth was an event of such importance and brought such incredible hope to the shepherds that their joy overflowed. Suddenly the knew that they mattered to God. God had come, in the flesh, to fulfill His promises and save them! When we trust in God's love for us we can be open to joy in any season, and joy will lighten our burdens when that season is a harder one.

Psalm 4 (NLT)

Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? Interlude You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Prayer

"Almighty God, grant that the new birth of your Son in the flesh redeems us from the old slavery under the yoke of sin, so we may receive him with joy as our Redeemer, and that when when he comes to judge we may see Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen."

— Wilhelm Loehe

Song - Joy To The World

(Country/Bluegrass isn't usually my thing, but this crew is just so good at it that it doesn't matter)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASZnRoRihyc