A Time of Joy  

   “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15: 11) 

   I think we sometimes forget about the joy we should know when we are sacrificing and fasting for Lent.  We can make it become an almost depressing time.  That is not what Lent is intended to be.

   Rather, it is a time to give thanks for the many joys of life given us by our loving Father.  One of the ways we show that thanks is by the little and not so little sacrifices we make during this time, but we should never forget the joy of knowing the Lord.  Our sorrow for our sins and our repentance is pleasing to God but they are also the path to the joy He desires for us.

   So take a few moments during Lent to give thanks for the joys we know as children of God.  While we are remembering and contemplating the sorrowful journey of our Lord to Calvary, never forget to give thanks for the peace of soul and happiness of heart that the His life, death, and resurrection has brought to us; His willing sacrifice is the source of our Christian joy.

   Thank God for the love and companionship of your spouse and give Him all praise and glory for the blessing of such love.  Remember the joy of your wedding day when the two became one in God.

   Look at the world around us and take joy in the majesty and beauty of God’s creation.  Everywhere we look God is there, in every joy we know, God is there.  Give thanks and welcome that joy; never let it depart from you.

   Lent will culminate with the most joyful of all celebrations, Easter Sunday.  Between now and that glorious Sunday continue to fast, to pray, to confess and repent for the sins we commit each day.  But never forget to celebrate the joy of knowing our loving and merciful God every day of our life.