Joy

. . . as he came near the house he heard music and dancing. Luke 15:25b

If I say, “Joy to the World,” most of us, if not all of us, think of Christmas. And thinking of Christmas in this summer heat is a pleasant thought, but not an easy one.

Could we think about joy for a moment? How much of it (assuming it is a commodity of which you can have varying amounts) do we have on a daily basis? What is it that brings it, or allows it to exude from our innermost being, or creates it in our lives?

Jesus talked about it on occasion, and anything He talked about in a positive light, I want in my life in abundance. More than that, I am convinced He wants us to have it in our lives, and not in small amounts.

Perhaps we are missing the daily joyfulness of life because we don’t provide a place for its expression. When’s the last time your Church family had a party because someone came to new life in Christ? I think we’ve reduced it to a meaningful (more or less) handshake following the service in which the profession is made.

When’s the last time your group threw a bash because someone was miraculously restored to health? Where’s the celebration when victories are won in the lives of those who have struggled with sin and failure and made it back from the brink? Who’s breaking out the ice cream and cookies for a marriage restored and functioning again in llove?

Lest you think I losing it, try reading those parables again from Luke 15 and see if you can find the common thread. I’m believing you can.

Call me when the party starts.