by the Rev John Yaxley, of the Church of Nazarene, Keighley

DO you listen to music?

Recently I listened to Shiny, Happy People. It is music you can dance and jump around to as well as sing!

I wonder if you feel happy today and want to do that.

Some of Jesus’ teachings are called the ‘Beatitudes’. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ and, ‘Blessed are those who mourn’, are two.

People might substitute ‘blessed’ for ‘happy’. Yet blessed means more than happiness, which is often emotion based on circumstances.

Blessed refers ultimately to wellbeing and spiritual joy. Those who share salvation in the kingdom of heaven.

It’s something worth getting excited about, singing and dancing for.

Perhaps it's truth is mostly deeply experienced in challenging or difficult times.

Whatever our circumstances, if we are living for Jesus we will ultimately experience heaven.

Life on earth is a tantalising glimpse of what it’s like. Times can be difficult but even in tough conditions real joy breaks through.

I attended my cousin's thanksgiving service. People paid tributes, sharing good things she was involved in. There was gratitude of sharing in her life and joy at knowing she is now in heaven.

Whatever your situation or faith is, I hope you are blessed and find joy in life. Perhaps in being a peacemaker, mourning or something else.

That makes us more than excited Shiny Happy People dressed in bright clothing! Though maybe we too will start dancing!