While at Newday, a group of teenagers were invited to take part in the shooting of a video, Joy has a name. Newday gives a safe and fun environment for over 5,000 teenagers to worship and learn more about Jesus, God's Son.
Part of the thread of the 2016 festival was the connection between the fruit of the Spirit and the person of Jesus.
It strikes me that often when we are encouraged to 'take joy' from happy circumstances, this suggests that joy is something to be grasped while it's available.
"I took great joy in seeing my grandchild smiling up at me."
"I took joy in being able to bask in such a beautiful sunset."
But it turns out that part of the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus is Joy: It's not taken by us, it's given by Jesus.
Joy - like fruit - grows and develops by virtue of the life flowing through the tree that bears it; in this case, the tree is Jesus.
Being a follower of Jesus, having his Spirit within us, gives the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Like fruit, these take time to grow and develop, however they are not dependent on our circumstances, but on our connection to Jesus.
Joy has a name
Joy has a name
Whispered in awe,
Shouted in triumph and
Partied abroad.
Joy out-runs
Mourning and tears,
Drowns out hatred and
Drives out fears.
Joy brings peace
And laughter soon after,
Joy gives release and
Heals much faster.
Joy has a name
Above all others
His name is Jesus
Joy of many colours.
