By Kyle Nolen and the FCPC Youth

During this week of Advent, it is fitting that we remember and celebrate Joy.  Joy is a funny thing.  We all want it, but worry, pain, health scares, final exams, busy schedules, and various other distractions often prevent us from experiencing the true Joy we seek.  However, during this week, the Youth of Fountain City Presbyterian Church made Joy just a little bit easier to find.

On Friday, December 13, the FCPC Youth helped host our annual Yuletide Tales and Treats event for our children.  As always, Joy was present as we experienced the excitement and wonder of Jesus’ birthday through the eyes of our youngest church friends.  The youth led the children in Christmas songs, helped with crafts, and helped various adult volunteers throw a great birthday party for our Savior!  They concluded this night by coloring handmade Christmas cards that will be sent to several of our home-bound members and folks who might could use a little extra “boost” of Joy this year.

The following Sunday, our youth group had an engaging Sunday school lesson on the meaning of true Joy.  Linda Sullivan was our guest teacher, and it was impactful to listen to the thoughtful discussion among our students about the difference between fleeting circumstantial happiness and the lasting Joy that believers have in the Lord.  This theme of Joy was even discussed and debated later in the church van on a youth outing in our community (more on that later!). 

The youth were also honored to be asked to participate in worship, as they lit the Joy candle during Sunday service and led the call and response.  They did a great job!

Later that night, the FCPC youth carried the “spark” of Joy into their surrounding community when they caroled with a few of our FCPC members who don’t get to attend worship as often as they would like.  Nine youth and 5 adults donned festive attire, piled into the church van, and sang Christmas carols during visits to Ron & Wanda Thomas, Faye Jones, Tom Tarver, and Ralph & Janice Hickman.  The youth also helped deliver packages that the Congregational Care committee put together for these folks.  The Joy that was shared was contagious, as more people than expected joined in the moment at a few of our stops. 

During one visit in particular, various residents of the Courtyards Senior Living home wheeled themselves out of their rooms when they heard our singing in the common area.  We experienced a special moment of praise as these residents joined us in our singing with Mr. Tarver.  Their Joy was evident.  What began as Christmas carols became an impromptu time of worshipping Jesus right there in the middle of an assisted living dining room.  Some of them later shared stories with us about their love of music and past times spent with their own families during Christmas. 

Another particularly special experience occurred during our visit with the Hickman family at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.  The nurses caught wind of our visit and asked us to sing down the halls of the Heart Hospital on our way to Mr. Ralph’s room.  Various UTMC staff and patients came out to listen.  While there, the group had a wonderful visit with the Hickman family.  Mrs. Janice took a special interest in our youth and wanted to know and speak to each one of them by name.  It was special to be able to represent the FCPC congregation during our visit, as we celebrated the Joy of the Lord and the love that our church family has towards them.  

So what did we learn about Joy this week?  Well, I think the youth of FCPC showed us that Joy can be found no matter where we are and no matter where we find ourselves.  Joy can exist in a church worship service, a Sunday school class, a birthday party, the front porches of our neighbors, dining areas in assisted living homes, and hospital rooms.  Joy can be found regardless or our circumstances or our feelings.  Most importantly, though, I think we learned that true and lasting Joy—just like other elements of Advent (Peace, Hope, & Love)—are best perfected when we lovingly gather with others in the name and service of Christ.  After all, Jesus himself said that “Wherever two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  (Matt. 18:20)  He also promised that we’d find Joy when we abide in His love when He commanded us to love one another and keep His commandments (John 15:9-17).  In a world where conflict, isolation, separation, and loneliness seem to steal any chance for Joy, perhaps the antidote is for Christians to get out there and engage. 

One of our parents that attended the caroling this week commented on their own realization and experience of this idea.  “I’m better now,” they said.  “I just couldn’t get it together this Christmas with all that is going on.  I felt so distracted and detached and that Christmas was just passing me by.  But tonight, after seeing the Joy of those people we visited, it really put me in the Christmas spirit.  I’m back!”  I couldn’t have said it better myself! 

Thanks to the FCPC Youth for helping us realize God’s gift of Joy this Christmas season by being a great example of how to serve others with love!