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Joy Rises in Community: Monday, 12/15/2025

Scripture: Luke 1:39–45

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb…”

After hearing life-changing news, Mary does something deeply human—she runs to someone who will understand. She seeks connection, not isolation. And that connection becomes the soil where joy springs up.

Elizabeth blesses Mary. She names what God is doing. She speaks courage into uncertainty. In their meeting, joy literally leaps to life. This is the first Christian worship service—two women, two miracle children, one Holy Spirit.

We often think joy is something we must produce privately. But Scripture shows joy usually grows between people, not inside one isolated heart. When someone blesses us, prays for us, encourages us, or simply listens, joy rises.

Maybe joy is not something you “lose” or “find,” but something that grows when you place yourself in the presence of people who see God in you.

Reflection Question: Who has been an “Elizabeth” in your life—someone who encouraged your faith or recognized God’s work in you?

Action Step: Send a text or card to one person who has blessed your spiritual journey. Thank them specifically.

Prayer: God of encouragement, surround me with people who lift joy in me, and make me someone who lifts joy in others. Amen.