What brings you joy? In this third week of Advent, we continue counting down to Christmas with a spirit of Joy. His joy in us has the power to make our joy complete. Biblical joy is more than a happy feeling. For the psalmist knowing that God is a trustworthy source of strength and protection filled his heart with joyful praise.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalms 28:7
Listening to the precious voices of children singing His praises on Sunday caused my heart to overflow with joy. A feeling which lasted long after the church service. It’s a powerful emotion that returns each time I look at this photo and recall their pure voices singing in three-part harmony.
Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalms 8:2
It floods my spirit with hope, peace, and joy to imagine a barrier strong enough to silence and hold back every adversary built on the notes strung together as they sang.
Can You Imagine?
What must it have been like to hear a host of angels praising God?
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14
Would you stare in silence with wide-eyed wonder or break out into praise if you had witnessed this sight? In the African American church when something is said or done that moves our spirits, we stand, wave our hands, shout a word of encouragement, or clap in praise-filled appreciation.
That’s what happened throughout our congregation when the children’s angelic voices rang out in three-part harmony. As someone who has been a member of various choirs over the years, I can attest to that feat being one that some adults cannot do. It isn’t easy to sing your part when different notes are being sung near you.
What Brings You Joy?
My answer is harmony. The unity of spirit that comes in the diversity of voices. A harmony that can only be achieved when each one of us, as believers, lives out the message grafted into our hearts when we came to know Him. I pray that we can live in harmony with one another beyond the holiday season and the church doors. Won’t you pray with me, and let’s all experience the joy of the Lord in harmony!
*For those of you who prayer walk, meditate on the question, “What brings you joy?”