Good morning! I am happy to share with you the first devotional of this week to celebrate joy from Cameron Brown. She is a retired Fort Worth Firefighter (served 34 years), an Air Force veteran, currently an Adjunct Professor in the Kinesiology Department, and chaplain at Cook Children’s in the Emergency Department. She has three degrees from TCU—BSSW, MDiv., and DMin. As well as the proud mother of one daughter, Courtney (TCU graduate BSN) and proud grandmother of one grandson, Lane. –Rev. Katherine Wright
Psalm 90:14
“O’ satisfy us in the morning with Your loving-kindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”
Joy is a profound expression of the heart, often arising unexpectedly and illuminating our everyday lives. It is found not only in moments of celebration, but also in quiet assurance that we are deeply loved and connected to something greater than ourselves.
As we prepare our hearts during the Advent season, joy emerges not only in grand celebrations but also in the gentle moments shared with those we love. Whether it’s the laughter around a dinner table or the quiet comfort of a shared prayer or meditation, joy reminds us that the Divine is present in every experience. Embracing these moments allows us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope, carrying us forward through all seasons of life.
My husband and I are blessed to have a six-year-old grandson who is the light of our lives. The first week of Advent, his class began rehearsing songs for their Christmas program. On Sunday, while visiting us, he started singing “Joy to the World” followed by “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” Soon his rejoicing in song filled the air with a jubilant melody that brought tears to my eyes.
While singing together, I was reminded that joy is often found in the act of sharing—whether it is a cherished tradition, a heartfelt story, or a simple song. These small acts of togetherness become treasured memories that linger long after the moment has passed, deepening our appreciation for the bonds we share with family and friends.
As the melodies faded and silence settled around us, I felt a quiet sacred peace—a gentle reminder that these fleeting moments of shared joy are gifts to be cherished. The warmth of togetherness lingered, illuminating my heart with gratitude for the simple ways we connect and celebrate life’s blessings. In embracing these experiences, we find ourselves uplifted, renewed, ready to face each day with hope and an open spirit.
The awareness of joy’s quiet presence encourages us to pause, even amid the busyness of our routines and to notice the subtle ways it weaves throughout our days. Sometimes it is found in the gentle rhythm of a familiar carol, the sparkle of a child’s eyes, or the comforting embrace of someone dear. By welcoming these moments with open hearts, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the blessings that continually unfold around us.
Let us pray.
Gracious God, as we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, we thank You for the gift of joy that brightens our days and lifts our spirits. Help us to notice Your presence in every moment, and to share Your love generously with those around us. Guide us to be vessels of hope and light, reflecting Your loving-kindness in all we do. May our gratitude deepen, and our hearts be open to the wonders and blessings You provide each day. Amen.