December 13, 2020

Photo Credit: Don Flowers

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people;  Luke 2:10

When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

John 16: 21-22

 “Joy” is one of those rather old-fashioned words that we don’t use too much in our daily conversations, although we pull out all the stops at Christmas. The word adorns cards, decorations, jewelry, and even our greetings. Joy can be defined as “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.”

This past year has not been joyful for many people. The coronavirus has disrupted all of our lives and has been tragic for many. The social and political turbulence in the world has added to our distress. I’ve had to ration my news time so as not to become demoralized and depressed about it all. To counteract all the depressing news, I’ve had to be intentional about finding joy – which abounds if we think about those things that are “exceptionally good” – think about the many acts of kindness, self-sacrifice, courage, and creativity that we’ve seen throughout this pandemic, in our own community and in our country.

 Jesus reminded the disciples that pain was a reality in life, using the extreme anguish of a woman in labour as an example, but he reassured them that they would also experience a joy that no one could take away from them. His birth and advent into our world was the “exceptionally good” cause of a “great joy” that the angel told the lowly shepherds about. Jesus reminded the disciples – and us – that he would be with us always. That is the joy that is inexpressible for those who love and serve him.

The world into which Jesus was born was just as dangerous and uncertain, if not more so, than ours presently is. In fact, there is nothing “unprecedented” about wide-spread disruption to the regular fabric of life, as even a quick look back through history will demonstrate. Just as certain, though, is the joy that shines from the darkest corners, if we have eyes to see.

Prayer: Loving God, In the midst of the turmoil and uncertainty of our lives and of our world, help us to focus on the certainty of your love for us. May we experience the deep joy that the birth of Jesus Christ brought into this world and can bring into our lives. Amen.

Carol Anne Janzen is a Christian educator who finds joy in listening to Vivaldi, gardening, reading (especially British mysteries), and traditional rug-hooking.