We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. // 1 John 1:4
The kids wore coats over their pajamas, and each had their favorite blanket in one hand. The younger ones bounced with excitement, but even the middle-schoolers smiled in anticipation. My husband and I handed out cups of hot chocolate, brimming with gooey marshmallows under tight lids that were topped with stickers. Each one shared their sticker. “Cool, cool. The Three Wise Men,” said my preteen son. “Oooooh! I have Mary and Baby Jesus with a STAR!” said my youngest daughter.
We laughed and made our way to the already warm van. With Christmas music playing, we began our annual drive around town, looking at our neighbors’ Christmas lights. We pointed out our favorites, sipped our cocoa, and sang along. And my joy was complete.
My husband, our kids, and I were not just driving around and looking at lights. We were celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus, the Good News that He has come and the great gift of sharing our faith. What the Father made clear to my husband and I, we have been able to pass on to our children (see 1 John 1:3). Sharing the Gospel with them, and sharing life in Christ with them is JOYFUL.
Saint John the Apostle’s feast day is today, and in his first epistle, he wrote, “We are writing this [the Gospel] so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4). Life is not to be lived alone, not now and not the afterlife. As we celebrate the Season of Christmas, remember Saint John’s words—our joy is complete in knowing Christ and sharing Him with others.
Life is not to be lived alone. // Bonnie Engstrom Click to tweet
Bonnie Engstrom is a writer, baker, speaker, and homemaker. She lives with her husband and eight children in Illinois. Bonnie is the author of 61 Minutes to a Miracle which tells the story of her son’s miracle that was approved by Pope Francis for the beatification of Venerable Fulton Sheen. She is the author of Blessed Conversations Mystery: Believe. Find out more about her here.
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