One cold, rainy morning a teenager awakened on a farm and walked out to the back of the barn where she kept her favorite pet ” her animal friend, the mule. The mule was standing outside in the rain, and as the drops of water rolled off the end of the long nose of that ugly animal, the mule seemed discouraged and depressed. She looked at her favorite friend and said, "You know, Betsy, you would make a wonderful Christian because you look like so many Christians I know! You look like you have lost your last friend. You look like the world is coming to an end."(1)

How many here today can remember that special "Joy" song we would often sing in Sunday School and in summer vacation Bible School programs when we were youngsters. I believe it went as follows:

"I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down …