​I’ve been thinking about how to give a sneak peak at a surprise announcement that we’ll be making this Sunday about our January Sermon Series that we’re titling, “God, How Do You Care?”. It’s a series where we will discover new and fresh ways that God not only loves and cares for us, but also how God loves and cares for our neighbors and our world through us. Our stuff. Our words. Our talents and circumstances. Our work.

So, below are two clues. You can share your guess at what the surprise announcement will be using the form, below. Have fun!

I can’t wait to spill the beans at the beginning of worship on Sunday. Log in early so you don’t miss it!

Love you!

I’ve been thinking a lot about joy. 

The brightest and best at Harvard say that joy is essential. In fact, studies have even shown that happiness is directly related to our overall health. In other words, the healthier we are, the happier we become. In Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th Surgeon General of the United States says that status, wealth, achievement, and fame doesn’t guarantee happiness (p. 33). For Murthy, it’s proven and predictable neuroscience. Happiness comes from a connection with another human being. On one hand, I think we can all resonate with how isolation makes us grumpy, cranky, irritable, sad, anxious, and everything else we may characterize as “unhappy”. No doubt, pandemic purgatory has lessened our happiness quotient. On the other hand, I can think of plenty of happy people who are perfectly content with our current introverted lifestyle.

So, where do we find joy - a steady happiness that doesn't leave us during a pandemic?

• In a relationship with the joy-giver, Jesus, himself. God the Father sent Jesus to establish a relationship with humanity and all creation. Jesus comes and Mary sings for joy (Luke 1:46-55). Jesus comes and the angels sing for joy (Luke 2:14). Jesus comes and the entire community sings with joy (Luke 24:53). Of course, singing is an expression of the joy that is already in our lives. In John 16, Jesus says he makes our joy complete. As we surrender our grumpy, cranky, irritable, sad, anxious, and every other “unhappy” thought and feeling to the joy-giver, himself, Jesus turns everything into joy (John 16:20). Notice that Jesus doesn’t replace, ignore, downplay, or re-package our sadness - He transforms everything for joy. And part of the joy of being in relationship with Jesus is discovering what this means.

• In human friendship. Can you imagine the joy Mary and Joseph had during her pregnancy? Even when Joseph is afraid. Even when Mary wasn’t sure what was happening. Even when… they had joy because they had each other (and the Spirit of God!). Even the most introverted people’s brains (literally) light up when they interact with other people. We are created for friendship - and friendship brings us joy - especially in the “even when” moments.

• When we are actively engaged in what God has given us to do. Missionary Paul encourages us to do everything as if we’re doing it for God (Colossians 3:23). In other words, God has given us good work to do (Ephesians 2:10). Mom. Dad. Construction Worker. Bank Worker. Burger Flipper. Online Student. Teacher. Desk Job. You are always employed by the God of the Universe for His work. When we join Jesus on His mission and we begin to see His fruit - people loving God, loving people, and living more like Jesus - then, all we have is joy. After all, joy is a fruit or production of the Holy Spirit at work in us and through us!

How can we bring joy because we have God’s gift of joy in Jesus?

• Take a moment to pray. Ask God to make His joy unavoidable this Christmas season in all you do with other people.

• Laugh with some friends at Family ZOOM Night on Tuesday. Check out this week’s Kids News email for login details or email Angela at angela@oslc.com.

• Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to worship with you this Christmas Eve at Noon, 2:00, 4:00, or 7:00pm at watch.oslc.com. This might be the year your child, grandchild, partner, spouse, friend, neighbor, or loved one takes their next step in their relationship with Jesus!

And just so you know. . . you bring me joy! Love you all.

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits...”.

That quote comes from the Forward to Georg Rhau's Symphoniae which was written by Martin Luther in 1538. Perhaps that’s what makes Christmas music so powerful.

Christmas music helps me experience the hope, peace, joy, and love we all need right now. And even though Christmas might be a little different for us this year, the truth is: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). 

Here are my Top Five Favorite Pieces of Christmas music. Take a listen (or watch) and I hope you’ll see why they capture my thoughts, mind, heart, and spirit with the good news of Emmanuel - God is with us, in Jesus.