Dear Friends of Longview Chapel,
Blessed Advent to you!
Have you been experiencing Christ’s presence and joy? Perhaps even “out of the blue,” maybe even in the midst of the sorrows and struggle in life?
As I think of Bible stories this week where God and/or Christ showed up “out of the blue” and brought joy, I think about Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In the midst of very hard things he has to say to them – things like challenging false teaching, correcting those who are in conflict to reach an agreement, questioning how people are living – he reminds the believers to keep seeking and finding joy in Christ. Seeking and finding joy is something he has done even while in prison. He wrote to the Philippians:
Philippians 3:1 – So, then my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the lord.
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the lord always! Again, I say, rejoice!
When we experience Christ’s presence, even in those very difficult times, we can find a tiny breath of joy that sometimes turns into a mighty wind. Just knowing we are not alone is sometimes enough for us to experience a bit of joy. I was talking last week with one of our members. They had been in a nursing home where they were doing laughing yoga. I had not heard of it before. One person starts laughing, and others join in, even if half-heartedly at first. Before you know it, the room is full of laughter and joy bubbles up.
Life is not easy. Holidays can be really painful, especially when we are missing those we love or past times in our lives. And yet there can be moments of joy that remind of us of the love we have shared and experiences we have had. We can be held in the joy of knowing Christ’s presence never ever leaves us. Sometimes it is in the hardest moments that God brings someone to share Christ with us and they help us to experience a bit of joy. Perhaps you have been that someone who showed up.
How has God shown up and how is God showing up “out of the blue” in your life to bring joy?
May our eyes, ears and hearts be open wide to Christ’s presence.
Pastor Donna