Preacher, Jose Garcia

Joy

According to Webster’s new world dictionary, Joy is a noun, meaning 1) A very glad feeling, happiness, delight. 2) Anything causing this feeling.  3) The expression of this feeling. v.i. to be full of joy; rejoice. v.t. To make joyful; gladden.

 

Joy is also the name of a dishwashing detergent, which like individuals who experience or bring joy to our lives comes in many different sizes, colors and fragrances.  Just like it joy and those experiences of joy put a shine on our faces, cleanse us and make all garbage go away just like the birth of our Savior and his blood does. It brings a fresh smell to our lives and even helps keep bothersome pests away. i.e. put a white dish by your door with lemon fresh joy in the summer to keep mosquitoes away (believe me it works).

 

What is joy or brings me joy? It is the face of a grandmother with her brand new grandchild in her arms. It is the laughter of people playing catch phrase on a Sunday afternoon. It is seeing the children you wish you had had grow up in front of your face. It is the return of long missed friends to the fold. It is a friend’s recovery from surgery or procedures. It is a Carolina win on any given day and being in Blue Heaven with friends. It is turning old and having your friends celebrate that milestone with you. It is a state quarter from someone you treasure. It is surviving a lifetime threatening experience. It is long lasting and new friends who smile when they see you. It is sharing a Saturday morning with someone special at the beauty parlor and grocery store. It is a caring pastor at a time of need. It is a kind deed done without expecting anything in return. It is giving yourself membership for your birthday in the most wonderful church. It is handing out bells at Christmas time helping others to believe as you do in the magic of the Season and Christ’s birth. It is losing everything, your worldly treasures, your family and your country and acquiring many, many more in return. It is the love and support of a loving family.  It is the smiles, hugs and even kisses from your extended family on a Sunday morning or any given day. It is time shared in love and fellowship. It is feeling safe. It is feeling understood. It is feeling accepted for who you are and loved not because of yourself but in spite of yourself. It is being able to leave this earthly world someday with few or no regrets and being able to say I made a difference. It is giving, caring, loving and sharing. It is the beauty found in God’s music and creation. It may be me, but mostly it is you, not only now at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. (24/7/365).

 

What is joy? It is an individual choice we make, a personal experience, an overwhelming feeling, but one all of us can have everyday of our lives when we simply choose Jesus over ourselves.

     

So in this 2007 Christmas Season I wish you all the happiness, good health and peace you deserve. I wish you days full of happiness and joy but most of all I challenge you to each and everyday to choose Joy, Jesus Over Yourself.

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