Ready for Joy

A Norvell Note

November 17, 2024, Vol. 28 No. 45

Ready for Joy

Maybe it’s just me, but the Christmas lights and home decorations appeared earlier this year. I have gotten used to seeing Christmas commercials on television, hearing Christmas music, and seeing displays in stores in September and October. But I do not recall seeing so many homes lit up before Halloween and mid-November as I’ve seen this year. Perhaps my memory is failing me, or is there another reason?

I do have a theory. It is an untested, non-scientific, and unproven theory that exists only in my mind. We are ready for joy.

The first ten-and-a-half months of 2024 have been long and hard. There have been brief seasons of joy, but confusion, stress, and sadness have dominated and often controlled our thoughts.?

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods have wiped out communities. Wars and threats of war have often been the lead story of the daily news. The presidential campaign and election were ugly and divisive. Many people have lost loved ones to diseases, accidents, and senseless shootings. As I described in last week’s Note, we have been on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

We are ready for joy.

If you are ready for joy, think about people you love and bring you joy. (Philippians 1:3)

If you are ready for joy, encourage the people around you to be like-minded and be one in spirit and love. (Philippians 2:2)

If you are ready for joy, forget the past and move toward your goals. (Philippians 3:10-14)

If you are ready for joy, remember that the Lord is near, be gentle, and think about positive things. (Philippians 4:4-9)

If you are ready for joy, go ahead and turn on the Christmas music and decorate your house. Who cares if it’s a little early?

We are ready for joy.

A Norvell Note ? Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.