Advent Guide: The Wonder of ChristmasSample

Incorporating Joy Each Morning

How do you typically start your day? I'd imagine you have some sort of routine. Wake up, brush your teeth, fix your coffee, get dressed, and so on. Regardless of the steps, I'm sure each morning comes with routine. How you approach this routine is likely to be influenced by whether or not you are a morning person. Apparently, the world can be divided into two groups of people: early birds and night owls. Which are you? Your answer probably determines if your mornings are met with enthusiasm or sluggishness.

Yet these morning routines are important. They may seem insignificant, but they're opportunities to incorporate meaningful liturgies that can shape the rest of the day. During this Advent season, evaluate your morning routine and incorporate a moment of worship that fills your day with joy.

As a child I remember my grandmother's favorite verse was Psalm 118:24. I loved hearing her recite that verse. Now as an adult, I've sought to make that verse a part of our family's morning routine. As the children run around the house getting ready for the day, we take a moment to pray as a family. After we pray, we do a quick call and response.

I'll say, "This is the day the Lord has made." And my children will respond, "I will rejoice and be glad in it." It's brief but it provides each of us with an important perspective: today is a gift and an opportunity to be joyful.

During the Advent season, we often find ourselves looking beyond today. We are constantly waiting for tomorrow, with our eye toward Christmas. While there is good reason Advent is filled with anticipation, I want to remind you today is a gift. Jesus is worth far more than a once-a-year remembrance but should be an everyday celebration. Whether good or bad, easy or difficult, exciting or boring, early bird or night owl, no matter what each day holds and how you approach it, choose joy.

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Jerimiah Smith has served as Pastor of University Baptist Church Fort Worth for the past seven years. He has an amazing wife and three incredible children who are constantly creating new memories of joy. His favorite thing about the Christmas season is time with family and the candlelight worship during the Christmas Eve service.