Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 126: 5-6, Luke 1: 46-47 "Mary responded, 'Oh how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!' ". (Lk. 1:46-7), "Don't be dejected and sad for the Lord is your strength! (Neh. 8:10), "Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest." (Ps. 126: 5-6; NLT).
How's your Joy -ometer or Joy -quotient reading today? Anything missing in your realm of interest or influence? One of my strong tendencies is to be so plugged into the details, task or crisis of the moment that I'm oblivious to: big-picture blessings. The teen age Mary, God's chosen vessel to bring the baby Jesus, i.e., Himself into our needy world 2020 yrs. ago was not missing the joyful condition of her spirit. Her response has been the basis for choral music and song down through the ages - - perhaps, think about letting it sweep you up in its fervor or sentiment. May the gift be my/our focus, rather than any prideful response. God champions poor, despised and oppressed folks and has gifted us, that we might humbly use our gifts to serve and praise.
In the Nehemiah verse we are reminded to be joyful, celebrate and to share with those who have less or nothing. Even when we don't really 'feel' like giving to others we are added to spiritually and perpetuated toward joy. Now, my comparative nature places me 7th of eight materially with my siblings, but having spent yesterday with #2, I wouldn't swap his 6 times my net worth and misery for all the tea in China. It is in the giving that we receive; and not at all for the purpose of increasing my 'joy-tally', but Lord guide me, that my sharing gifts with that brother and family, honor you!
How do you see God's harvest of joy coming? Are you as impatient as I, the undersigned? In the midst of lack, burden, sorrow, strife or grief, are you certain of a future that includes joy? Can you trust that tear-drenched seeds will bring good out of loss or tragedy, as our Psalmist writes? I know categorically that burned forests grow again, and that broken bones heal. Grief is not a permanent state, while happiness is a fleeting commodity, and it's faith that encourages my thought and attention; and I'm wise if I acknowledge its progressing me toward joy.
...may a sense of hope, peace, love & especially Joy fill you & yours this Christmas season, .....Kevin (for the FFC Deacon team)!!