Joy to the World (12/26/2025)

It was cold, but those gathering slowed to greet one another on the sidewalk leading up to the church. The greetings of “Merry Christmas” filled the air. Hugs happened more than once. As I sat in the back, I looked around and every face bore joy. I’m not sure what was going on in the lives of those I saw, but somehow, they all came together, and the commonality of the moment was joy.

And I caught myself remembering Jesus’ words, “You are the salt of the earth.” And sitting in church I had the wildest vision of us being sprinkled about in the world and with each sprinkle, we brought that flavor, that joy in knowing our LORD’s love, with us. And it made me smile.

I thought of my family gathering the day before and how coming together in His name for “CHRISTmas” brought us together with great anticipation, with great enthusiasm, with great joy. I recalled the inordinate volume of laughter, the side conversations, the excitement about sharing a meal. And while we all opened gifts from others, I would say we all knew the greatest gift we’d received that day wasn’t in a box or bag but rather the one who gave us purpose and whose very being brought us together, Jesus Christ.

After church, I settled in my chair at home and indulged myself with the movie “A Christmas Carol” starring George C. Scott. I watch it every year on Christmas Day to remind me that Christmas isn’t a single day on the calendar but rather a door into the life we are called to live not just one day a year but throughout the year. The spirit of Christmas is meant to be with us, and we are meant to be bearers of His joy daily. We do this best by bearing His love to those we encounter.

And once again, before I retired for the night, I glanced at the cross-stitch on my kitchen counter given to me by a dear friend more than 40 years ago. “Joy to the World” it reads. I said my silent prayer to the LORD, “LORD, make me an instrument of your loving joy.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.