We Light the Candle of Joy

Joy Grows

 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ¹¹ to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,^[a] the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,^[b] praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

 

It starts with one and then before you know it, there is a multitude.  Look at the rose window in the picture.  See how the petals radiate from the center?  When God sent Joy into the world it came in the form of a baby, a baby that would grow into a man, a man who would offer his life to save all people.  And how that message of joy has grown!

 

This flash mob "Ode to Joy" (click here to link) is a perfect illustration of the growth of joy, the contagious nature of joy. 

 

Where will you share joy this day?

 

Prayer:

Come Lord Jesus!

Plant the seed of joy in my heart that your love may radiate from me.

Amen.