Fading Joy

January 15, 2023

It’s amazing how something that brings such joyful anticipation at the start can end up fizzling out like a burnt up sparkler. Just a little over a month ago, Linda hauled the decorations up from the basement and began transforming our home into a Christmas wonderland almost rivaling the professional displays in the stores. Garlands, lights, Nativities, nostalgic plaques and pictures, her beloved caroler collection, all set the stage for the tree with its ornaments and lights. It was beautiful, and gave much pleasure.

Tonight we debated whether she would bake the banana bread she’s been talking about, or take down the tree, which she’s also been talking about. Tonight the banana bread won out, which means tomorrow the tree comes down. The corner will look bare, but the magic is gone, so the tree must go with it. 

It is a parable of life. We anticipate with joy, but realize with ennui. The thrill of the latest acquisition may last a few hours or a few months, but eventually, whatever we chased loses its power to satisfy, and we hold in our hands something for which we gave a bit of our life, and realize it was a bad trade. Whether it’s a new car, a new boat, a new toy, or a new job or partner, the golden sheen wears off, revealing the clay beneath. 

The Bible’s warning is made for today:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

—I John 2:15-17

It’s all passing away; all except the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), and that which is passing away has not the ability to satisfy the soul which will never pass away. God has given all things in this world for us to enjoy, but not for us to set our hearts upon. Like our Christmas decorations, the things of this world give momentary pleasure, but only the love of God shared among the people of God can give eternal joy.