Good afternoon! Our Advent devotional for today comes to us from Craig Allen, who serves as our Executive Director of Housing & Fraternity/Sorority Life. I have gotten to know Craig well over the years and have always found him to be one of the kindest and most genuine people at TCU. He oversees areas at TCU that never rest and at times are probably busier than most of us can even begin to imagine, and through it all Craig has an comfortable presence that makes everyone around him feel at ease. That, combined with his quick wit and warm smile, instills a sense of JOY in everyone who is lucky enough to cross his path. He is also one of those people who will send you the kindest and most affirming emails out of the blue, simply to let you know how much he appreciates you. My heart has experienced the JOY that is Craig Allen on more than one occasion, so today I thought I would share some of that JOY with you. I hope your heart is filled with JOY as you read his thoughtful words for us today!
P.S. If you haven’t seen Craig today, go find him! His blazer is bringing a little extra JOY today, too! You’re welcome. 😉 – Rev. Todd Boling, University Chaplain
Psalm 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
I must start this devotional with a confession. I am not one who can recall or easily tell someone where to find certain passages in the Bible, so I asked Reverend Boling for a few suggestions. Some of the passages he shared are more specific to the story of Jesus birth, but this passage really resonates with me when I think of Joy.
The Christmas season has always been one where familiar carols and hymns reverberate through our home. This was especially true for me growing up. Whether it was at church, at school concerts or attending the Mohawk Valley Chorus concerts, the music of Christmas was a constant source of happiness and joy.
My parents both sang in the Mohawk Valley Chorus, a group of adults who just sang for fun and did concerts 3-4 times a year. Now, there were times growing up when I didn’t want to go to every choir performance, but Christmas was special. When I think about the joy of the music, I picture my parents, especially my mother. Everything about singing the Christmas music was joyful for her. She even dressed joyfully and when she sang, she would not stop smiling. The music moved people. It moved me, and it was clear to see that she sang, less for herself, but more to spread joy to others.
While one could have hoped that this gift of singing was passed on to me, I think it skipped a generation and went to my daughter. However, I find myself trying in other ways to share the joy of Christmas. I love decorating and it takes much restraint to wait until after Thanksgiving to bring out the Christmas decorations. I have joined a friend in providing Christmas trees to families who cannot afford to buy one, and I love events on campus like our Late-Night Breakfast, Tree Lighting and Carols by Candlelight and the chance to spread joy and happiness to our students.
The Advent season, and this week’s focus on Joy reminds me that I have the ability to help bring others happiness, just as the news of Jesus’ birth brought joy to others. It helped me to reflect on what brought me joy, and perhaps you will take time to reflect on what brings you joy. As we think about this I hope you feel moved to find one of the many ways to make a joyful noise – I believe we all can do so.
Let us pray.
God, help us remember to rejoice and sing praise this Advent season. May the joyful noises we share with others help us spread your love, and care for all. Amen.