Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I have such fond memories from being at my grandparent’s house as a child. When I was in Kindergarten, my grandma and I had an agreement that I would teach her how to print letters, since she only had ever learned cursive, and she would teach me how to use the typewriter. In the summer, I never wanted to go fishing with my grandpa, but was so intrigued by helping him clean the fish. What a weird fascination I had with fish guts! Ha! But one of my favorite things I look back on was when we left their house. My grandpa would always say “Ok, goodbye. Be joyful!”
What a wonderful parting word. Be joyful. But I find that easier said than done sometimes, especially in a season when we’re called to be joyful! What a backwards way to do it. I find the hustle and bustle and expectations to be overwhelming during this season and joy can be hard to muster up somedays when my to do list looms.
There’s always one thing that snaps me out of that real quick – kids. I was so honored to lead the Christmas Program this last Sunday. What a joy it was! Kids are so filled with joy and listening to them sing filled me with joy! Overflowing joy! They don’t let expectations and to do lists get in the way of their joy and they did a wonderful job sharing it with all who heard! Be sure to find ways to experience joy in this Advent season!
I want to share a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who was involved with this year’s program. Thank you to the Children’s Ministry Board Members, teachers, assistants, Cheryl for playing the piano, Kris for playing for practices, parents who helped set up and clean up, parents who brought their kids to practices, and to the kids for showing up and sharing joy. THANK YOU! What a blessing the Christmas Program was!
If you haven’t had a chance and would like to see it, use this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/R77R614eTIw