Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! (Psalm 66:1-2)

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

When I think of the Advent season, the first word that comes to mind is joy. The glow on the faces of little children shows pure joy. Watching the expressions of parents or grandparents as they share time, food or gifts with the kids is a timeless show of joy. Looking at all the twinkling lights or beautiful decorations gives one joy. The sound of beautiful hymns is a joy. The smells and tastes of wonderful, lovingly prepared food is a joy. (We all know I love to eat!) Many holiday cards use the expression, “peace, love and joy.” Opening or addressing each card brings to mind moments of joy shared with that person. At this time of year, I feel surrounded by joy.

The greatest expression of joy was when God sent us, a fallen, sinful world, his Son as a baby to redeem us from sin. Was Jesus' life a life devoid of trial, tribulation, suffering or hard work? No. Was it filled with helping others, teaching others, healing others, redeeming others, loving others? Yes. His was a life lived with joy; a life we should strive to emulate.

Check any concordance and you will find at least a page full of references to the word “joy”. Joy is what we should be feeling this season--the joy of doing things for our families; the joy of helping the less fortunate; the joy of worshipping together. Jesus in his own words told us to ask, so that we may receive and have joy. If we would just stop and ask, that holy and improbable joy would fill our hearts.

Dear Heavenly Father, My prayer for me and all my church family is that You would help us to feel the joy of the season. That You would help us feel Your unconditional love and by feeling it, pass it on to others. As scripture dictates, in Jesus name I ask it that my joy may be complete. Amen.

Susan Kindt