Joy

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”’ Luke 1:46-48a

The most memorable part of my first church service in South Africa is the time of offering. Twelve, white Americans file into a black, Lutheran congregation in Alexandra. Alexandra is a crowded, northern suburb of Johannesburg, or, during apartheid, the area was called a township, an area designated for blacks, who were often oppressed and financially poor. 1.6 million people live per square mile in Alexandra. The day before, friendly and energetic women welcomed us to Alexandra. They taught us some of our first Zulu words and offered that we should visit their shacks someday during a return visit to their area. During our joyful interaction, we were also invited to their Lutheran Church in Alexandra. Needless to say, the next day, as we take our seats in the church, I feel that our Young Adults in Global Mission group sticks out a bit.

Yet, as soon as the service begins, the focus shifts from personal differences to glorifying God. The church sings in beautiful harmony with different people initiating hymns. After a while, when we see women opening their purses, we know offering has begun. We watch as other congregants smoothly dance their offering up the center aisle to the offering plate. Somewhat awkwardly, we attempt to follow suit. As I return to my seat, I whisper to my friend next to me, “What an awesome way to give offering!” The sight of people joyfully celebrating offering struck me, as they seem to joyfully give not only their money, but also of themselves. This is not to say that means with which to provide resources for congregational life are not important; they are. However, I more often feel guilt at offering than joy. The first offering at the Lutheran Church in Alexandra reminds me that I should celebrate the opportunity and the ability I have to give.

The joy at offering is reinforced throughout the multiple hour service. During the sharing of the peace, an older woman rocks me back and forth as she hugs me with delight. Although our ethnicity, age, background or socioeconomic status may separate us, our love as sisters in Christ brings us into one another’s arms. Joy in God’s gift of life bridges all chasms.

The structure of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) includes different leagues: the Youth League, the Young Adults League, the Men’s League, and the Women’s League. One by one, each league, yes, even the Men’s League, energetically sings and dances a choreographed number up the aisles, which ends with giving an offering for their league. These times of offering reinforce in me that we offer up more than a percentage of our possessions, but also our time and ourselves in a glorious thank you for a grace-filled gift beyond our understanding and our deserving.
In the “Magnificat”, Mary gives thanks to God for bestowing her with the gift of His Son. In our church service, we too share our thanks that God gives us His Son and also encourage others and ourselves how we will continue to live out our thanks to God. Certainly, God’s gift of grace is a reason to daily live joyfully.

Giver of Life,
Thank you for your gift of grace. Help us to remember to give glory to you in all our thoughts and deeds. May our souls sing joyously with our brothers and sisters in Christ of all generations and cultures. Amen.