Joy to the world by Mary-Anne Rulfs
How are you, in this week before Christmas?
How is your joy meter?
There’s lots going on in the wider world.
And perhaps there’s a lot going on in your personal world too.
Financial stress. Health concerns. Family tensions. Too much to do, and not enough hours. Not enough to do, and too many hours to fill …
When you hear carols playing in the shops, in movies, on the radio, from your favourite streaming service, or even in church, do you find yourself asking … ‘actually, where is joy?’
Joy to the world – the Lord is come!
This is a bold statement! That because the Lord has come, joy is here.
So, what is joy?
Well, it is not happiness necessarily.
Happiness is determined by our circumstances and often the result of our own effort.
While happiness may be important to our wellbeing, our driven pursuit of happiness can actually steal our joy and sabotage our peace.
Joy, on the other hand, is something different.
Social science researcher, Dr Brené Brown, describes joy as “the good mood of the soul”. Her research has shown joy to be an intense feeling of deep connection with others, even with nature – and especially with God.
That is why the Old Testament writer of Nehemiah could say to the people weighed down by the law and the realities of life:
“Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord, and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Could the joy of the Lord be your strength?
Could the gift of God’s presence truly give you strength? Even if you don’t feel particularly happy?
I remember one season of life in particular where every day was shaped by profound loss and deep sadness. Yet, the joy of God’s presence became like an anchor, tethering me to life and the goodness that surrounded me.
In this way, joy really did become for me ‘the good mood of the soul’.
Joy expanded my way of thinking, helping me to see and experience life-giving possibilities around me, moment to moment.
In this way, joy can bring us a sense of freedom, despite our circumstances.
As a gift of God’s Spirit, joy brings to life the wonders of God’s love,
freeing us to be present to others,
energising us for service,
and releasing us to be generous.
While joy is good for us, our joy is also for the benefit of others.
I have asked a few people this question this week:
“What has brought you joy as you’ve participated in our community this year?”
Overwhelmingly, whether as a member of a small group or as a volunteer, each of these people responded with a response something like this:
“I’ve found so much joy from being with people and feeling more connected to community through listening to and being available to help others.”
Jesus said, ‘I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in your and that your joy may be complete.’ John 15: 11
How is your joy-meter? May the joy of the Lord be your strength in the days and weeks ahead, as you prepare your heart for Christ’s coming and celebrate the wonders of God’s love.
Grace and peace,
Mary-Anne