The Blessing of Joy
Christmas at Pike Hill Farm, New Hampshire
Dear Soul Friends,
In the third week of Advent my church lights the candle of joy inviting us to rejoice in the anticipation of the coming of new light and love.
Joy is one of the gifts of the Spirit and an important quality of Holy Presence. Unfortunately, joy is often passed over and ignored for penance and suffering. But not this week. This week we are invited to immerse ourselves in being delighted by the blessing of joy. It is a week to reflect on our lives. What gives you joy? What joy do you share with others? How does joy make your heart sing?
I love nature. God’s creation gives me joy. It’s the little things that delight me—a berry filled holly tree, mist rising off of a brook on a cold winter morning, a bright red cardinal puffing out his wings. It is fun to see what shows up each day as I walk our dachshund around the neighborhood.
My younger sister and her husband raise Shetland sheep on their farm in northern New Hampshire. One Advent, she sent me a photo of my favorite ram, Columba, wearing a necklace of Christmas bells announcing the Christmas season at Pike Hill Farm. Every year I bring out the photo, it makes me laugh. What would it be like if we all walked around with a garland of bells announcing the joy of the season? Would it change us from worried, anxious souls to delighted, calm beings ready to rejoice in the gift of life?
One Christmas Eve when I was about twelve years old, I had a horrible cold and was too sick to attend my church’s midnight service. I was deeply disappointed. For weeks I’d practiced with the choir to sing the anthems. My friends and family would be there to wish each other Merry Christmas at midnight. I wanted to sing all the carols and soak in the beauty of the candle lighting at the end of the service. It felt unfair to have to miss it. I knew it would be the worst Christmas Eve ever.
Before leaving for church, my mother sent me to bed and my uncle stayed home to babysit my younger sisters and me. Once the house was quiet, my uncle came into my room and pulled my old wooden desk chair up to the side of my bed, folding his six foot seven inch frame onto its wobbly seat. He knew I was disappointed and wanted to comfort me.
After settling into my little chair, he leaned back, cleared his throat, and started to regale me with stories about Christmas when he was a child. He was a wonderful storyteller. He changed the tone of his voice as he talked about various characters, pausing at just the right moments and making me laugh so hard I forgot about being sad. At some point I must have fallen asleep because I can no longer recall how the stories came to an end. What I do remember is laughing and being filled with joy.
Listening to his stories in my cozy, tiny room was my own little worship service. It turned out to be the best Christmas Eve ever. I had been blessed by joy.
It is my hope that during this week you will take time for joy. Seek out things that delight you. Offer laughter and love to others. Be blessed by the energy of Holy Joy.
Deep peace to you,
Susan
