S. D. Gordon, a great author and speaker who is associated with the YMCA, once said, "Joy has its spring deep down inside, and that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens.
Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing that music within, even under the shadow of the cross."
And speaking of music, this Sunday the bells will be playing in our sanctuary, and their sound has not been heard in a very long time. And the sound of bells, like joy itself, may seem distant or absent, but for their to be "Peace on Earth," which is the prelude the bells will engage us in this Sunday, understand that joy isn't the absence of sorrow; it's the Christian response to sorrow.
And my God Bless you and amen.