A Joy Shared (Video)

“A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved; a joy shared is a joy doubled.”

What do you think – has this been your experience?

I reckon it’s generally true.  When you share a burden with someone who shows empathy and concern for your welfare, and perhaps offers to pray with you, you go away feeling a “lighter”.  You are no longer carrying that burden on your own.

When you share a joy with another person, then they have an opportunity to rejoice and celebrate with you. There’s not much joy in having a party on your own, is there?

I wonder what have been some of the ‘joy milestones’ in your life:

• Can you recall an experience of joy as a child?

• What has been one ‘joy milestone’ in your adult life?

• What brings you joy in this season of life?

The wonderful thing about joy is that it’s contagious.  When we hear some good news, or experience something wonderful, we want to share it with others.

Jesus gives us some examples in Luke 15:

• When a man finds his lost sheep, ‘he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep’ (Luke 15:5-6 (NIV).

• When a woman finds her lost coin, ‘she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin’ (Luke 15:9 NIV).

• When a father has his younger son back in his family, he tells the older son: ‘But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’ (Luke 15:32 NIV).

This Sunday we continue our Advent/Christmas series: Surprised by Joy.  After the angel Gabriel visited Mary, she went to visit her relative Elizabeth in Judea – and joy erupts like a fountain in both of them.  Sunday’s theme: A Joy Shared.

Come and celebrate the joy of Jesus with your church family.

Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl