How many mince-pies have you had? When you munch is there a little thought about how it might show up on the scales later on? When you sit on the sofa and watch a soppy Christmas film do you worry about the list of jobs that need doing? When you meet up with family and friends (if we can at the point of writing) can you relax or are you constantly making sure that everyone’s drink is topped up. When you sing Christmas carols in Church, do you feel that you are not as good a Christian as the person singing next to you?
We, as human-beings, are great at sabotaging joy. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes writes this;
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 9:7-9)
It is as close as the Bible gets to saying that ignoring joy and God-given pleasure is sinful (if that doesn’t send you on another guilt-trip). I love the fact in the Christmas account that Mary sings her song batting-off the shame of a pregnancy whilst being unmarried. I love the fact that the shepherds race down the hill and boisterously rejoice around Bethlehem leaving the sheep behind. They don’t sabotage the moment.
So today be mindful of joy. Perhaps do (or don’t do) one thing that you suspect will put you in joy’s presence.
When you feel pleasure
When joy bubbles up through your spirit
When your smile widens or your eyes light up
Don’t say ‘but’ … give thanks to God and stay there as long as you can. Regular life will return soon enough without you beckoning it back too soon.
There is nothing you can do or be that puts you beyond the scope of God’s love. Yes, sometimes you’ll mistake momentary pleasure for deep joy but you’ll learn and over time your Christian senses will be as alert to the wonders of joy as they are to the risks of sin.
Joy is fuel for the journey. Mary needed it for the road to Bethlehem and beyond. The shepherds undoubtedly told the story of the infant in the manger again and again over the cold, winter nights.
Let joy sparkle - don’t sabotage it.
Suzanne Nockels