On the holiday weekend, our Sunday worship theme at Bridgenorth United Church was Joy. The “Tarnished Angels,” Bridgenorth UC’s praise band, led the service. Their music brings joy to the members of the band and to the congregation every time they play.
Sandi Deslauriers, a bandmember, shared with us the difference between happiness and joy. Biblical scholars have translated Jesus as having said, “I have come that you might have joy in abundance.” Note Jesus said, “Joy,” not “happiness.
Above the front door of our home is a plaque that says, “May the love that surrounds you today give you the strength to face tomorrow.” I would add two little words, “with Joy”. The Joy of our faith doesn’t mean all will be smooth, or easy.
Certainly, as I age, I experience pain. Physical abilities may desert me, bringing me sadness. My faith has taught me to face that reality, and count my blessings and give thanks. After all, I have been blessed with the ability to recognize the beauty in this world. I live in the wonder of the love of family and friends. God is my companion, no matter what happens. Those are all blessings.
When pain seems to rule my life, and darkness looms on the edges of aging, I turn my mind to counting my blessings. As I give thanks, the joy that I have cultivated over the years rises and fills my heart. No matter how I am feeling physically on any one day, the gift of gratitude can bring me joy, if I turn to it. Jesus said, “I come that you might have Joy, joy in abundance.” That’s why I am a Christian.
There is tremendous joy in living Jesus’ life of love and gratitude. The song says, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Not by what we say or do, but by our love, “They’ll know.”
The Tarnished Angels brought us their love of music. They made our worship joyful, fun, that hot summer morning. I’m sure God’s heart filled with Joy as people from three congregations, ours, Grace United, and Emmanuel United, filled our church. We all sang with enthusiasm, and of course enjoyed conversation spiced by a table full of home-made goodies. We left smiling, not filled with guilt for what we have or haven’t done, but filled with joy, zeal and a desire to love others well.
There are days when happiness escapes us, but nothing can steal the joy that comes from living our faith with humility and gratitude. God calls us all to spread love with joy. That is how we can bring God’s light into the darkness of this world this month and always. Thanks be to God.