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Read: Psalm 16
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence
Psalm 16:11
It seems like only yesterday we gathered in the sanctuary for the Hanging of the Green! This was a very meaningful time for me. Everything was so bright. It was beautiful to watch adults help children put Chrismon ornaments on the tree and to see our church family bring food to help feed the hungry in our community. Since that evening, the Spirit of the Lord has continually reminded me to declutter my life in this season of Advent to make room for the coming of Jesus!
Advent is a spiritual time of waiting and preparation for Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth. On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink candle of joy was lit on the Advent wreath. Sometimes this candle is referred to as the Shepherd’s Candle to highlight the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the good news of Jesus’ birth.
As a child, I looked forward to setting up the nativity each year! This allowed me to interact with Mary and Joseph, the wise men, and shepherds as I moved the figurines around the stable. In 2008, I was able to visit the Holy Land. I fell on my knees in awe seeing the birthplace of Jesus during that trip and I could feel the excitement as we walked through the shepherds’ field where the angels announced Jesus’ birth. As an adult, this trip to the Holy Land brought the nativity alive to me!
During this season, I can focus on gift giving, decorating and many other worldly distractions that may bring me temporary happiness but not long-lasting eternal joy. The joy that can only be obtained from God.
Reading the Psalms is a guide to navigate us on our spiritual path. Psalm 16:11 states God makes known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. A few ways I have experienced the joy of the Lord at First Baptist Church is Via Karis, Bible study, and service to church and community. The gift of God’s joy is more precious than any worldly happiness.
Continue to reflect on this Psalm:
- Take a moment and reflect upon how you can recognize and incorporate eternal joy on your life path.
- Identify what becomes a burden and robs the joy from your daily life.
- List ways you can infuse joy to others.
~Catherine Wilson
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