First Baptist Church of Herndon

Joy Inside and Out

Linda Soller | Dec 23, 2019

What does joy mean to you? It can mean pleasure or happiness, but what does it mean to you? Can you picture yourself filling a Christmas stocking for a child? You put in lots of small seemingly trivial things that often please them more than some of the “big” gifts you have wrapped. You can’t always predict what will bring joy to a person. Perhaps that is the magic of Christmas. Finding what brings you joy, or what gives someone else joy. Despite what you may see on the surface joy is everywhere.

The joy inside you may come from Carrols being sung, cookies tucked away in a special tin, or the smell of pine in your home. Your joy may surface when you open Christmas cards, get a special gift, eat a favorite family dish, or see someone after a long absence. Funny thing about joy is that once it’s inside you it seems to need to escape. And so, it does, in your smile, or scream, or when you do your happy dance, or hug someone, or even cry tears of joy.  In that instant a bit of your joy escapes and spreads. The loved one you’ve missed responds with happy tears. The neighbor who sees you do your happy dance has to chuckle. The child who loves your smile, feels all warm inside as you admire their homemade gift. Joy wells up in each of us so it can escape and touch others. We need to recognize our joy so we can share it. We need to reach out to others to start the ripple. 

Jesus’ mother Mary had no right to be joyful, all social situations considered. Yet she knew that the miracle she was to be part of was a joyful thing. She sang God’s praises for being the one chosen for this special gift. Think of how many people have been touched by her actions, her words, her joy. 

Imagine for a moment what sharing your joy could do. Better yet, don’t imagine, just share the joy inside you by letting it out into the world. We can all benefit from a little more joy!

Be humble, be grateful, and be love in our world this week! Merry Christmas! :o) Linda