This weekend after a very long, busy, and emotional week, I decided that the Christmas movie of choice would be;
The Family Stone.
I am of the cloth that has a collection of classic Christmas movies that have to all be watched in a matter of 31 days.
The Family Stone is one of those movies.
For many of you, this is a very sad movie that has quite a bit of controversy tied into it , but for me it's a movie about family, and life and all that, that entails.
Well, maybe there is a bit more in this family that goes on that doesn't happen in every family... but all the same it's one of my favorite Christmas movies.
This Christmas movie is a tear jerker for sure so I pick this movie on a night when I know I have a lot of emotions that just need to find their way out, and I make sure I'm surrounded by those who love me even when they see my ugly cry face.
This time when I watched it, I knew going in that I would need more kleenex than I normally do.
I knew this because this past year has been filled with a lot of loss of loved ones that have passed on, and this movie definitely has that life and death element as a key note.
But, a funny thing happened when I watched it this year.
Not only did I bawl my eyes out like I knew I would but...
A line in the movie stuck out to me and in the most random of places.
There is a part in the movie that an unlikely couple end up snuggling after a VERY eventful holiday, and the actor Sarah Jessica starts to sing the Christmas song, "Joy to the World" and her new found friend actor Luke Wilson keeps saying the phrase, "Repeat the Sounding Joy."
"REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"
At this point in the movie, it is a strange song choice because this family has just had possibly one of the worst Christmas holidays in their families history, but also one of the most profound holidays because for one of the family members it was their first introduction into this big family and it didn't go very well at all and for another family member it will be their last Christmas.
But, when actor Luke starts to chime in with the phrase ;
"REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"
its as if he knows thats what life is all about.
Maybe it was just me, or the glass of wine I was drinking, but I really was feeling Luke Wilson's soul in that part of the movie, like he knew that LIFE is for the LIVING.... and you have to continue to repeat the sounding joy!
I have sung this Christmas carol so many times in my life, but the next morning was Sunday morning and it was on the list of songs to sing at my faith community Hillside Foursquare Church,... oh and I just happened to be on the worship team this past weekend.
That particular phrase kept lingering in my head as almost like a life anthem for me to sing out;
"REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"
In the midst of heartache and pain,
love and loss,
I truly can repeat the sounding Joy of my life because of Jesus and the hope He gives me on the daily.
My eyes and heart were opened up at a very young age to truly know beyond a shadow of any doubt that I do indeed have a Savior from all the pain, loss and sorrow.
That is not to say that I don't still have questions, and I don't type these words with a triumphant kind of attitude that I have arrived and have all life's answers figured out.
I have sucky days just like anyone else, and
I am working out my faith on a daily basis.
Thankfully I'm not alone on this faith walk.
It's just that,
His love for me and all those around me is what gives me Joy even in the midst of sorrow and grief.
If I do nothing else in this life I will continue to repeat the sounding Joy of his love.
I'm beyond grateful that I have this hope as an anchor in my life.
I'm not perfect, (no one is) but it is my life's goal to follow the ways that Jesus set before me some 2000+ years ago.
"REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!"
His ways are perfect, and when I hang out with him HE perfects this messy road before me.
It is my hearts prayer that everyone could know this unending love, hope, and faith in Jesus.
I also hope that no matter where this holiday season finds you, you know that you are not alone.
There is a King in this Game of Thrones who doesn't see your life as a game at all.
He left his throne, to come as an infant child and express love and mercy and give you hope. He is not so far removed that he doesn't know the pain and sorrow of loss. He walked this earth and was contained by the gravity that keeps our feet on the ground. He is not far from you, in fact just say the words, "I believe" and he's right there with you.
Maybe you are reading this blog and thinking, Noël you don't understand ... you don't know what I've been through and you would be absolutely correct.
I don't know, but there is one who does.
To know that we are not alone in this life full of trials and tribulations is what I believe we all are looking for.
If you are feeling depleted in the Joy department, just a take a deep breathe... now take another deep breathe.... fill your lungs with that life, and give Jesus a second glance.
And then keep looking into this deeper thought that you are not alone.
There was an infant named Jesus who more than likely was not born in December when we choose to celebrate his birth, BUT he walked this planet for 33 years.
He changed our calendar and how we measure time; BC and AD ... yea that's a thing!
He changed my life some 30 years ago.
He's changing lives to THIS day and it could very easily be yours.
Take one more deep breathe....
Then, keep asking questions, and wondering and pondering and seeking.... and knocking... the door will open to a world of Joy!
Oh and don't forget to listen to Miss Whitney who at this very moment is in the presence of JOY!
