“Jesus lifted up his eyes upon his disciples and said, ‘happy are you poor, because yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20

Dear Friends:

What do we yearn for? Happiness? Scientists, doctors, therapists, theologians, even Jesus, all have written the answer to the fundamental question, what is the key to happiness? The answers are varied. Happiness is the result of actively seeking, pursuing something other than our own wants and needs. Neuroscientists proclaim happiness is the realization that in seeking something that is always just beyond our grasp is a pathway to happiness. Healthy relationships breed happiness. Expressing love and acceptance in healthy relationships leads to happiness while expressing judgement and rejection leads to unhappiness. Happiness is not the result of what we achieve so much as happiness is the result of what we’re doing. The bottom line, happiness, with all its definitions is what we experience when we’re actively doing something outside of ourselves. More specifically, happiness comes from actually choosing to follow the way of God in Christ. But, woe to you who do, because trouble is in your midst in following Christ.

In Luke’s gospel chapter six, which we’ll hear on Sunday, Jesus is preaching good news to the poor. His words bring release to the captive; especially those held captive by the pursuit of financial wealth. Finally, because of Christ the oppressed will find freedom. Following Christ can well mean we may well know poverty. But, poverty may be the price we pay to know great happiness. Because, in our poverty, we come to know the gift of looking outside of ourselves. 

Now, let’s be clear. Going outside of our own specific wants and needs doesn’t necessarily mean we’re doing something enjoyable. It’s as Jesus says, when he drops revolutionary bombshells upon a population of exploited and distressed. When we are finally aware of the injustices and affronts to humankind because of the pursuit of selfish wants, we are offending God. With the strength of God in Christ within us to combat those parts of our system which hurt and subject, the result is happiness. Jesus preaches to the suffering that happiness is not the result of seeking luxury and affluence so much as it is opening our heart to love with a purity and simplicity. Because, those striving for only wealth of worldly goods are certainly satisfied. But, their life is cut short. Worldly possessions does not buy our eternal relationship with God. More saddening is believing that prosperity leads us to not needing God. Jesus professes, it’s in our deepest want, not of material goods, but our want of knowing the love of God in Christ, of giving of ourselves to others on behalf of Christ, that results in happiness. Happiness is the result of loving others as Christ loves us.

What does the happiness of loving others in Christ look like? You have expressed it beautifully in the list of gifts written and offered up to Christ January 6th, on The Feast of Epiphany. Each week, we’re continuing to mention these gifts as a sign of how to live with the happiness brought from giving in the name of Jesus Christ. Here are more…

“I will give the gift of time and song…I will give the gift of time and good behavior”

“To be more grateful for my blessings…to be more involved in ministries.”

“I will give the gift of time and fellowship.”

“I’m going to give the gift of love to Jesus, and through that, my fellow man, family, neighbors, strangers. Love all around.”

My friends, happiness abounds in the life of Epiphany in how you serve with such love. May your Valentine’s Day tomorrow shower upon you blessing after blessing of Christ’s love, grace and mercy. All those touched by the love you share in Christ are truly the recipients of great happiness.

We’ll see you Sunday for 8:30 worship, 9:45 Sunday School, 10:00 worship and 5:00 p.m. Parent Support Group. Invite someone who needs to know the love of Christ to come along with you on Sunday and may all know happiness.

Many blessings beloved,

Hillary