2020: Light a Candle for Joy

Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Do not be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
​(Nehemiah, 8:10 NLT). 

The sentiments of merriment, laughter and joy that are normally felt in this season  of Advent, may feel out of reach for a lot of us, as they occur against the backdrop of the restrictions and devastation from the pandemic and a politically and racially divided country.

But, the truth is, the joy we have does not depend on the outward circumstances of this world. Our joy is deeply rooted in our relationship with God. It is based on who He is. It is based on what He has done. It is based on the confident hope in His fulfillment of His glorious promises. Having to shelter in place at a time when we would normally be gathering with family and friends is hard. Yet, while we shelter in place, let us resolve to celebrate the good things He has done and the good things to come. 

Jesus is the  light shining in this dark world; a refuge for all who trust in Him..(John 12:46). We have a reason to rejoice! We can cling to Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, knowing that because of His great love shown in His sacrificial death and resurrection, we are forgiven of our sins, filled, sealed and empowered by His Holy Spirit, have eternal life with Him and the promise of His second coming, we should be filled with Joy. 

As this song, ministered by Richard Smallwood (2016, Spring House Music Group), says Jesus is the center of our joy:

TRY

1. Counting your blessings. Make a gratitude list for all the good things God has done in your life. Note the things small and big. Stretch your faith and thank Him for the promises He has made to you, which have yet been made visible. 
   
2. ​Try giving it away. In challenging times, giving of ourselves can seem counterproductive. But, we invite you to enact your faith by taking your little and sharing it. We believe that as you do, your joy will rise as you recognize that what good you have, (however you may count it), is able to bless others. Offer praise to God each time you extend your hand because you know that all good things come from the Father of Lights. (James 1:17). Consider giving in a way that will promote the health of others. Here are two suggestions to get you started:

• ​​Arrange for healthy meals to be delivered or picked up for the elderly or sick in your neighborhood. 
  
• Set up a virtual exercise and or cooking class. Maybe you don't have the skills, but you know how to work your way around Zoom or Google Meet. Apply your tech skills and invite people in your neighborhood to continue to focus on their physical health in the context of a life-affirming community. 

Learn more about the biblical definition of joy: