The Power of Joy: Embracing God’s Gift in the Church

My daughter declared, “Dad, you’re too silly to be a vicar! It’s not in the church book.” Her very accurate description of me took me aback; it got me thinking – do we inadvertently send the message in church that joy is not allowed or that being lighthearted contradicts our faith? 

This exchange prompted a deeper reflection on the importance of joy within our spiritual lives and its role in being a vibrant and welcoming community.

Joy is a Gift of the Spirit

At the heart of the Christian faith is joy as a divine gift. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Joy is not just an emotion we conjure up on our own; it is a gift from God, given to us through the grace of God. As believers, embracing joy is a reflection of our gratitude for this gift and a way of glorifying God in our daily lives.

In the same way, my daughter’s appreciation for my “silliness” serves as a reminder that joy, in all its forms, can be a beautiful expression of our unique personalities. It is not about conforming to a rigid set of expectations but about celebrating the diversity of God’s creation.

Joy and the Kingdom of Heaven

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” showing us that joy is not a fleeting emotion but an integral part of God’s Kingdom. 

The Gospel often illustrates the importance of joy, mirroring the heavenly joy that awaits us. In Jesus’ first miracle, he turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11); Jesus provides abundance and continues the joyous celebration.

By understanding joy as a reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven, we begin to see its significance in our worship and communal life. A joyful church community radiates the love and grace of God, attracting others to experience the transformative power of faith.

Joy Illuminates the Good in Life

Joy becomes especially poignant in challenging times. It is a light that shines even in the darkest moments, enabling us to see the good in adversity. Reflecting on the positive aspects of life, even when facing difficulties, allows us to maintain a hopeful perspective.

To close 

As a parent, I’ve learned that my daughter values my joyfulness because it contributes to a positive and uplifting atmosphere at home. Similarly, within the church, a joyful community becomes a refuge for individuals seeking solace and encouragement in times of trouble.

Joy is not only permitted but encouraged within the realm of faith. It is a divine gift, a reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven, and a guiding light that helps us find goodness in all circumstances. As we embrace joy within our church communities, we enrich our spiritual lives and create a welcoming space for others to encounter the transformative love of God. So, let us joyfully celebrate the gift of joy, recognizing that it profoundly impacts our faith journey.

What Good Can Come From Nazareth?

Have you ever found yourself criticizing a place you live in or someone you know without giving them a chance? Or you’ve heard others talk about how terrible a place is, and it’s become your opinion too. It’s easy to fall into this trap. What if we gave those places and people a chance and looked at them differently?

Recently, I had a conversation with someone cleaning up the street on their own time and expressing how terrible the area was. I found it ironic that they were making the place better by cleaning it, but I still thought it was a bad place. After some chatting, we agreed to disagree. I started thinking about how easy it is to be down on the areas we live in and even ourselves in them.

This week’s Gospel reading tells the story of Nathanael, who had a similar negative view of Nazareth. When Philip tells Nathanael that he has found the one Moses wrote about in the Law and the Prophets – Jesus of Nazareth – Nathanael is sceptical and says, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Philip insists that Nathanael come and see for himself. When Jesus sees Nathanael approaching him, he declares he is a true Israelite with no deceit. Nathanael is amazed and asks how Jesus knows him. Jesus answers, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” This convinces Nathanael that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

Nathanael’s initial reaction to Nazareth was adverse, but he quickly changed his mind once he met Jesus. This passage is an excellent reminder that we should not judge people or places based on preconceived notions. We should always be open to new experiences and people and not let our biases blind us.

We all have our “Nazareth” – the places we look down on or people we judge without knowing them. But what if we examined our responses to them and gave them a chance? We can better understand our faith through personal encounters with God and his people. God is working in our world in unexpected places. If we look out for it, we join in with his actions.

Focusing on what is good and true is an essential reminder of where God wants our minds. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” When we focus on those things, we encourage them, notice them, and, importantly, promote them in our lives and world, building a better world with God.

So let us not be like Nathanael and judge before we know, but rather be open to new people and experiences. Let us seek personal encounters with God and where he is working that will deepen our faith and understanding. Have you seen something extraordinary, holy, or exciting in an unexpected place? What place or person do you look at and wonder what good can come from that? Can you ask God to open your eyes to something unexpected?

The area we live in is wonderful it needs celebrating.

Buzzards and God- Lets spend time in nature – Ecochurch

Last year, I was driving along the mountain road towards New Tredegar from Tredegar; as I snaked up the pass, I went into a dense fog, the type that reminded you that you technically live up a mountain. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the shape of something that shouldn’t have been because, at that point, on my right was quite a steep drop. I found a beautiful bird of prey, probably just a buzzard there. That glimpse woke me out of my hurried mind and into something bigger: how beautiful and unexpected the world is. It also made me want to thank God for the beauty of nature. As I drove, my eyes were opened to what I needed to do and the beauty around me, making me thankful for where I live and where I am. 

Do you take time to look up? From where you are driving to or even out of your window while washing up? We live in a beautiful part of the world, but we can get complacent and too busy to enjoy it. I encourage you to admire where you live, probably not while driving. (I want you to be safe). 

The Bible speaks of the nature of a place that speaks of God’s presence, like in Romans 1:20: “Since the world’s creation, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” This passage shows that God’s beauty can be revealed in creation. After all, it’s all God’s handy work. 

I encourage you this month and year to look up to what is going on around you in nature. It is good for your health. A study found spending 120 minutes a week in nature had good health benefits.[1] so take time in nature, go on an adventure, take a short walk, or just find time to admire the beauty around where we live. 

For more ideas about what you can do, check out Arocha’s website: 

Ideas to help you enjoy nature this New Year

N.B.

Over the next year, we will explore this with our churches and look at ways to care for creation and help our churches be more ecologically aware. 

[1] White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

Reflecting on the Feast of Holy Innocents: A Call to Bless and Pray for Children

Today marked the Feast of Holy Innocents, a day dedicated to remembering the massacre of young children ordered by King Herod in an attempt to eliminate the newborn threat to his reign. While some may question the historical accuracy of this event, the significance lies in its symbolic reminder of the vulnerability of the innocent.

Bethlehem’s small size suggests that the number of children killed may have been small, perhaps in the 20s. Making it an event which is small compared to other heinous acts committed by Herod, this event is a reminder of God’s concern for the suffering of children.

We are reminded that to God, any little one who suffers it is like it is done to himself. Although earthly justice may evade perpetrators due to free will, Jesus tells us the consequences of harming children. He explicitly states that it would be better for someone to tie A millstone around their neck and throw themselves into a lake than to cause a child to stumble. Children hold a special place in God’s heart.

As we mark the Feast of Holy Innocents, one meaningful way to observe this day is by blessing our children, taking a moment to thank God for them and seeking God’s protection over their lives. It is also an invitation to extend that blessing and prayer to children worldwide.

Let us mark this day by reflecting on the importance of children in God’s eyes. This act, I believe, is an invitation to us to bless and pray for children everywhere. Remember children today who suffer in the Holy Land in fear of life and numb to destruction, in forgotten places and in our own country where they are victims of abuse and poverty.

May the Feast of Holy Innocents serve as a reminder that, in the eyes of God, every child is precious, and our responsibility to protect and care for them extends beyond our immediate circles. Today, let us unite in prayer, seeking God’s mercy and grace for all children and working towards a world where innocence is cherished and protected.

Image above is modern day Bethlehem.

Advent – Love

As we are knee-deep in the magic of Christmas, let’s cosy up with a cup of something and dive into a topic that’s as warm and inviting as a crackling fireplace—Love.

Love is all over this season, from Mariah Carey being let out of her box to singing All I Want for Christmas Are You? Or Mud’s tribute to festive heartbreak, “it will be lonely this Christmas”. to our Carols O Holy night speaks of God’s deep love for us and the transformation of that for us: 

 “Truly, He taught us to love one anotherHis law is love, and His gospel is peaceChains shall He break, for the slave is our brotherAnd in His name, all oppression shall ceaseSweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise weLet all within us praise His holy name.”

Love In A Labyrinth 

So, how can we find God’s love at Christmas? It can be challenging in the festive season to take 5 minutes for ourselves. The labyrinth below guides us to slow down and reflect on love. It helps us meditate on God’s love for us. And yes, he loves you deeply enough to come as a baby to the world and show us the way to life (that’s Jesus). You can print this or follow it on your screen. Take time to stop and follow the labyrinth to breathe and speak to God to show you his love and to be attentive to it. It is not a maze. It simply leads us to the centre, where we meditate on God’s love as we go, not to empty ourselves of thought but to fill ourselves with God’s love and peace.  

“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?” 

– John Wesley

Wesley’s timeless wisdom is like a guiding star in our labyrinthine journey. In a world that often buzzes with conflicting thoughts and opinions, the labyrinth becomes a space where we can allow our differences to fade, and love becomes the common language we can share. We appreciate the unique perspectives each of us brings, seeking togetherness in the shared experience of love.

“Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.” 

– Augustine

Augustine’s words add a layer of depth to our journey. Imagine the labyrinth as a garden as we journey into the centre; love takes root within us, blossoming into a beauty that shows outward. Love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a transformative force that shapes the very essence of our being. Love is a doing word. We need to act out love for the beauty to be seen. 

So, as we guide ourselves through the labyrinth, let’s allow love to grow within us, becoming a sign of beauty in our lives.

In this season of Advent and soon Christmas, let the music, the labyrinth, and the wisdom of Wesley and Augustine guide us. May our journey be filled with the warmth of love, understanding, and joy. Here’s to a love-filled Advent that resonates with the melody of the season!

Follow the Star

As we navigate the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, lists, and obligations. Amid our busy lives, it becomes crucial to pause and reflect on the true essence of Christmas—the message of love, light, and the profound words of John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord.

St Dingats in New Tredegar has a beautiful nativity window; one chilly evening on my way to the Christingle service, my mind was consumed with the myriad of tasks that needed my attention—decorations to be hung carols to be practised, emails to send and sermons to be finalized.

The weight of these responsibilities threatened to darken my view of Christmas.

Amid my racing thoughts, I glanced up at St. Dingats driving into the town. A solitary star emitted a warm and comforting glow shone through the window with the nativity scene. The simplicity of this sight, the star shining in the dark, acted as a gentle reminder of the age-old story we hold dear—the story of hope, love, and the anticipation of the arrival of the Savior.

As I glanced at that radiant star and the road, I felt a shift within me. The light emanating from the window illuminated the church and my path through the chaos of responsibilities.

It was as if the star was whispering to me, urging me to follow a different path this Christmas—one paved with love, guided by the light of Jesus.
John the Baptist’s words echoed in my mind, urging me to prepare the way for the Lord. The star in the window became a physical representation of that preparation—a symbol of focusing on what truly matters amidst the season’s chaos.

It wasn’t about the perfection of the decorations or the flawless execution of the service but about embracing the love and light that Christmas represents.

I give you this star for us to follow so we don’t get bogged down in the less critical stuff. Instead, let us prepare our hearts, just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord. Follow the light of Jesus, not all the stuff and trapping and stress. When we start with Jesus the King, born in the stable, all other things will fall into place.

As we navigate the remaining days of Advent and approach the celebration of Christmas, let us remember to follow the light—the light of love, compassion, and the message of Christ’s birth. Like John the Baptist, we may prepare the way for the Lord in our hearts, allowing His love to shine brightly through us. In doing so, we rediscover the true magic of Christmas and share that magic with those around us, making this season truly special and meaningful.

Resolve Course

In the new year, we are running the four-week Resolve course, exploring how to enact positive change in your life. Topics covered include Looking after your body, Strengthening your mind, Inspiring your soul, and Deepening your relationships.

All are welcome to come and join us for this course whether you regularly attend church or not.

This is an excellent opportunity to invite friends and neighbours to something which will help you think together about life.

  • St. Georges: Mondays at 7 pm (starting 8/1/24)                St Georges Church, Church St, Tredegar NP22 3DU
  • St. Peters: Sundays at 4 pm (starting 14/1/24)                Church St, Aberbargoed, Bargoed CF81 9FF

Check out more info and watch the promo video here! 

https://vimeo.com/196286782/description