By Heather Mustain
This past weekend I helped the kids put up small Christmas trees in their bedrooms, betraying my own rule of no Christmas decor pre-Thanksgiving. The last couple of weeks have left me searching for joy wherever I can find it. And it’s amazing how a pre-lit, 5-foot silver tinsel Christmas tree can transform a little girl’s bedroom and make it, in her words, “magical” with joy beaming in her eyes.
As you sit in the pew today, I want to challenge us in thinking about where we can find joy. Maybe it’s in a dear friend sitting near you or the special memory of a baptism or family dedication, or perhaps you were married in this very room. Today I find joy as I look at the chancel steps. They are lined with brown bags packed with food to help restock White Rock Center of Hope’s food pantry as they prepare Thanksgiving food baskets for their neighbors. And those signs sticking out of the bags? Those represent turkey baskets that will be distributed to families who utilize the services of the Wilkinson Center. Pure joy given out of generous hearts; pure joy in those who will receive.
As I draw my eyes upward, I see our very own Wilshire Student Ministry prepared and empowered to lead us in worship — from singing and praying to preaching. Former student Emma Roden recently shared the impact this church has had in her life as a young person, and now we as a congregation have the same opportunity to allow the Spirit to impact us through our students. Pure joy in the giving and pure joy in the receiving, Wilshire.
And while I know pre-lit, 5-foot silver tinsel Christmas trees, Thanksgiving bags and one worship service cannot alleviate the grief so many of us are carrying, we also cannot let it steal the joys that often exist right under our noses. So, take a moment. Breathe deep. Settle in. And give thanks. Because as I was reminded by a dear friend this week, joy is meant to be shared, and rejoicing is a group activity.