Choose Joy!
… the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Dusk at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The cloudy, color-filled sky was spectacular
JOY is the theme of the third week of Advent, and our normally quiet home was joyful—as well as a bit chaotic—last weekend. We watched our two younger grandkids while their parents enjoyed a much-needed couple-break. On Sunday, we followed up with festive snacks and an early gift exchange following church. Working with complicated family schedules can add to the stress of Christmas. Many years ago, I decided to choose joy and be flexible.
Adding to our joyful chaos was “granddog” Freddie who stayed with us while his people-parents enjoyed time in California for an early celebration with extended family.
The Saturday evening was crisp and chilly as we walked with the grandkids in beautiful downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Freddie wanted to check out the gift certificate Ron and I received for cooking classes. I was so excited. Love receiving gifts that provide special experiences.
Our second-grade grandson, Reeve, told us he had a surprise for us when we opened presents. A tradition in our family is reading the Christmas story from Luke before opening gifts. Reeve had been practicing and surprised us by reading the story flawlessly, which brought tears to his grandmother’s eyes.
While we enjoyed every minute of the weekend, a cloud of sadness hovered over joyful activities when we learned our friend, Carol, was placed in Hospice care and probably would die before Christmas.
So often it seems in life, we are asked to hold the tension of joy and sadness, to straddle stress related to both celebration and mourning.
An Old Testament story illustrates. A nation mourned over the consequences of having rejected God’s words even while celebrating the completion of a building project God had blessed. They felt overcome with deep grief and sadness when their leader, Nehemiah, encouraged them. “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, 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 ESV)
Christmas reminds me experiencing joy isn’t contingent on doing everything correctly or a guarantee that life will sail along smoothly. Joy comes from being willing to gratefully embrace God’s gifts and choosing joy despite difficulties.
In Monday’s post, I quoted Henri Nouwen who said, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Earlier this week, I ran across this Advent Prayer written by Nouwen:
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy spirit upon our preparation for Christmas.
We who are anxious over many things
look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for
the complete joy of your Kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy
seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people,
walking in darkness yet seeking light.
To you we say
“Come, Lord Jesus”
Amen.
(Henri Nouwen)
May the “joy of the LORD” fill you with strength this Thursday before Christmas! ,
