When was the last time you had a feeling of pure, unrestrained joy? Has it been too long? Can you even remember? The dictionary defines joy as an emotion of great delight or happiness, elation caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; rapture or bliss. We get so caught up in our everyday life that we forget to take time to experience joy. After a while, we forget what joy feels like or where we can find it.
My granddaughters reminded me of what it feels like to experience the joy of discovering something exciting for the first time. Laughing at nothing just because you want to hear yourself laugh; finding a hidden ornament on a tree; eating a bowl of ice cream together just before bedtime; wrapping your arms around someone so you can share a little joy with them.
In the book of Psalms, David tells us that there is fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord. David also experienced times when life became overwhelming, but he never forgot the source of all joy. He asked God to restore unto him the joy of salvation. David reminded himself during discouraging times that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
During this wonderful time of year, don’t let the shopping, parties, programs, family expectations take the place of experiencing real joy in the Reason for the Season. Take a few minutes to smell the baking cookies, light a scented holiday candle, taste a chocolate-covered cherry, enjoy the decorations, share a smile with someone you love, or throw your head back and sing this song at the top of your lungs.
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing
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