Lasting Joy

Opening

Let's begin with a moment of silence, reminding ourselves that God's loving presence can be found wherever we happen to be.

Quote

“Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward.” -Thomas Merton

Reflection

This time of year, gift-giving is top of mind. You have likely been busily working through a list, making sure everyone is accounted for and no one slips through the cracks. Similarly, we often call Jesus the “gift of Christmas.” Rightly understood, we should celebrate this great truth. However, there is danger before us if we too quickly think of him as a modern Christmas gift, wrapped in the manger and placed gently beneath the tree.

In our culture, Christmas gifts are, by design, not essential to our well-being or daily life. In truth, you don’t need a new gaming console, perfume, or an electric toothbrush, yet these are precisely the gifts we give and receive this season. It’s doubtful you will ever wake up on Christmas morning to find a prepaid utility bill wrapped and waiting for you! No, Christmas gifts are meant to do the opposite: they distract from the otherwise difficult and often painful realities of “normal life.” As such, though they may bring momentary joy or delight, they rarely bring lasting joy or genuine transformation of being.

The gift of God in Jesus is not a momentary fix but a lasting cure. He sees us as we truly are and offers himself as a gift of love to heal our greatest need. Love neither pacifies nor distracts but always renews and restores. Isaiah reminds us of this, pointing to a day of unspeakable joy in which the brokenhearted are restored, mourners consoled, and captives set free (Isa 61:1-3). This is undoubtedly the greatest Christmas gift that could ever be given.

Prayer

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever.Amen.(Book of Common Prayer, 1979)

Reflective Practice

As we take time this week to reflect on the joy of Advent, we must remember that this joy is not simply for our own good. It is a shared joy we receive and extend to others.

Along these lines, this week, we will engage the historic practice of almsgiving, which, in its most basic form, is simply showing mercy to others in need. As we prepare for this practice, take time today to reflect on your relationships and spheres of influence. Who will you share life with this week that will present an opportunity to extend God's mercy in a real or tangible way?

Closing

If you want to dive deeper and haven't yet done so, explore the Scripture passages for today's devotional. Remember that God's written word is often the place where his love shines most directly into our hearts and minds.

Go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.