Joy 2020

 Joy! This week we get to focus on joy! 

When I was leading youth, this was my favorite week! We always went caroling to our friends at assisted living and nursing homes, or to friends that were homebound to spread joy to others! Through the years, the youth, the volunteers, and I all made connections with those we visited. It wasn't the only time we visited, but it was probably my favorite visit. We brought cookies or cupcakes and sang and visited. Even if I was still doing children and youth ministry, this wouldn't have been the same due to the pandemic. One year, the weather was horrible when we had planned to do our caroling up and down the street the church was on. Instead of walking, we called friends and family and all sang into the phone. It wasn't the same, but it was a fun substitute! Can you spread some joy by calling someone and caroling or catching up with them? 

It's hard right now to be joyful when so much negativity is out there. If we just focus on all of the things that aren't the same, if we continue to think "that's not how we did it before", then I would guess joy is not going to happen. If we're too busy looking at the negative to see the positive, then our lives are filled with negativity. 

I heard a great sermon on joy this morning, and a friend told me about a great sermon she had heard this morning about joy. I'd like to share some of the thoughts from them. "There will be times that we are not happy. And yet, joy is something else." "It's not easy to be happy, and yet, God will give us the opportunity to be joyful." We are challenged to call upon our God who is the giver of joy. So that even if every day isn't happy, maybe the joy that God has given us might reflect better in (us)." "Mary's joy was Jesus' job. Jesus gives us all the joy we want or need. It's there for the taking. We just have to accept it."

Of course, there will be moments of sadness, of feelings of loss, and I imagine there is a sense of grief for the things we cannot have during this time. But, at some point, we have to look for joy. Maybe when we find ourselves going into that rabbit hole of sadness, we have to intentionally look for joy. During this week of advent, think about the joys in your life. 
Maybe you can make a list of ways to look for joy. 

Create a "Joy Jar" filled with little messages- blessings, fun memories, scripture, etc. that you can take out when you're having "one of those days".  
If your life isn't joyful, are there things that you need to let go- toxic relationships, time commitments that overextend you, or situations that need to change?

What brings you joy? What do you to bring joy to others?

Where is God in this week? He's there with us, offering us joy. We just have to let Him know we want it.

Blessings,
Jennifer

The sermons that were referenced can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjHfp91M9tY

https://www.facebook.com/148869845233740/videos/700026367320049