The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. -Psalm 126: 3 

Joy can be a feeling and a gift of the Holy Spirit. We can feel joy at times, temporarily from worldly experiences such as buying a new car. However, there is a joy that is everlasting; one we can find at all times and in every place. True joy is when we marvel on God’s goodness and out of that we share our joy with others.  

According to the American Psychological Association, Joy can take two forms: passive and active. “Passive joy involves tranquility and a feeling of contentment with things as they are. Active joy involves a desire to share one’s feelings with others. It is associated with more engagement of the environment than is passive joy.” 

Let us actively share our joy with others, as it is an endless fountain given to us by the glory of God. Harpeth Presbyterian Church took on this calling and actively shared Christ’s joy this holiday season while respecting the separation of church and state. Read below a message from the church: 

“We joyfully embraced the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts for [Franklin Elementary School] families identified as needing some assistance by the guidance counselor. Many members of our congregation bought books, toys, coats, sweaters, pants and shirts for these children.  We also incorporated Franklin Elementary into our “Missions and Milk and Cookies” [ministry] by having a wrapping station during the celebration.  When the wrapped gifts were delivered to the school, there were dozens and dozens of homemade cookies donated to the staff.”  

-Harpeth Presbyterian Church Coordinator, Mary Keown 

See pictures below of active joy lived out by Harpeth Presbyterian Church: