While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem to be registered, the time came for her to deliver her child. She gave birth to him and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Later, when Mary heard the prophecy of what her son would do, she held that joy in her heart.
From Luke 2
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage, from the story of “The Birth of Jesus,” by the Gospel Writer Called Luke, reminds you that joy can’t always be planned. Yet, you can feel it spontaneously, in unexpected, even humble, places.
- Joy, your inner capacity to recognize and appreciate life’s goodness and fullness, is an energy independent from outer events. You can experience joy as a sense of happiness and well-being that flows through you anytime, anywhere.
- In addition, joy is a heart-centered experience, rather than an intellectual one. Some people say they feel it as an inner warmth and great, inexplicable love, especially around their heart, as Mary does. Joy also can be felt as a sense of euphoria and exhilaration. Because joy is part of your essence, nothing outside you can block joy, unless you permit it.
- Joy is an element of Advent, the contemplative season that prepares you for Christmas. But even if Advent isn’t part of your spiritual practice, you can still find joy in your experiences.
- Much spiritual literature speaks of joy as the awareness of God (Higher Power, Divine Spirit, Supreme Being, etc.) within and around you. This oneness with something greater than yourself reminds you that you not only can feel joy, but that you can express joy as part of your divine essence, the Christ, the same essence that was in Jesus.
- Dr. Vernon Shields, who led First Divine Science Church of Minneapolis, Minn., for 31 years, taught that God’s desire for you is only true satisfaction and joy without end.No matter what your need, he said, be assured that God works for you as you let God work through, so God’s peace and joy are being expressed right where you are.
- Demonstration is your evidence of how well your life works. Joy has been called fleeting, but it’s also a constant when you’re open to noticing it. So, the more you stay grounded in the present, the more joy you can discover.
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What, if any, circumstances do I let block my joy?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever they are.
- When and where have I felt joy in the past?
- List, word map, or illustrate what you remember.
- What are at least three (3) ways I can be present to feel joy now?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.
Use this devotional anytime you want to feel more joy. Know that as you do, you’re focusing energy on what’s joyful for you because it benefits your well-being. So, stay present to the world around you, open yourself to even the tiniest joys, and discover the depth of joy within you.
© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by idea _Photo.
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