I just can't get enough of all the smiles I have been seeing around Holy Spirit these past few weeks.  There are smiles in worship and smiles on the students faces as they go about their day.  We had laughter at our Finance Committee meeting and staff meeting.  While the to do list is long, our time together is the focal point. 

 

I imagine the smiles on the shepherds faces as they looked at the baby Jesus.  I imagine the wise men from the east smiling as the star appeared urging them forward to discover our Jesus.  I imagine all the laughter that Jesus' family had around the dinner table as he grew up and the prideful smile Joseph had as Jesus learned the carpentry trade.

 

These are the smiles that expecting parents prepare for.  When expecting both of our kids, I remember thinking about laughing with them and I remember the first time I gazed upon their first smile with joyful tears.  The anticipation of the coming of Jesus is inherently joyful.  Even now these many years later, I still imagine the smile of Jesus as I experience joy.  I imagine Jesus smiling as we enjoy our celebrations together as a community and I anticipate the smile of Jesus greeting us at every new joyful endeavor.

 

I pray that God will give you and yours the gift of laughter this time of the year.  Tell some old stories or make some new ones and know that God's incarnation comes with the promise that Jesus is there smiling with you. 

 

Wishing you all joy and peace in this holy season of Advent,