Often I drive to JOY before many, if any, other people are on the streets.  I may meet a car or two but almost never any pedestrians.  This morning I was a little later and as I drove, a flashlight beam flashed across my face.  There was a mother and two children standing beside the road, perhaps in front of their own house, all in dark clothing.  I did not see them and without the flashlight beam, I would never have noticed them at all.  Dark clothes at the edge of the road at 6 am could be a recipe for disaster.  That quick burst of light alerted me to someone’s presence.  Do we wear “dark clothes” on a daily basis?  Are we joyful or angry Christians.  I have often heard that if what is seen in the lives and attitudes of Christians is how they really are, then who wants to be one?!!!  Joy in our hearts needs to translate into joy in our actions and our attitudes towards others.  Especially at Christmas when we remember the true reason for this joyous season: Jesus is born!!!  Put on your light clothes and let the Joy of Jesus not only live in your heart but on your face and in your actions.  Read John 15:1-11 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed