that I may smile again

I listened to this morning's Christmas program intently. I listened and watched this morning's Christmas program intently. The watching was the far more valuable lesson than the listening (no reflection on the sound being listened to). What did eyes see that topped ears' hearing?

The contrast between dutiful obedience and (en)joying the obedience.

Seeing siblings worship with and without drooping mouths and that lesson brought to life. Prodigal son contrasts that no less clearly. Older brother serves sans love of serving and the quickrising bitterness clear. Sermon for another time on the overlooked virtue of joy. That virtue does, in fact, outline the clear diff twixt love and love.