Advent - JOY

Without joy, we have no fulfillment to our lives.
As we continue the season of Advent, we wait in joyful anticipation of the happiness the Christ-child will bring to a world that needs it so desperately.
We seek to live as a people of joy that share it with everyone we encounter, to bless others with the happiness we have in Jesus Christ.
We light this candle to symbolize the joy we have in Christ’s presence.
We gather to share this joy with one another.

During the third week in Advent, we spend time thinking about joy.
From Psalm 5:11, we hear these words, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you.”
Two purple candles and one pink candle are lit. Too often, we think joy is something big, O God. A brass band or a parade can certainly bring us joy. Just as easily and far more often, we can feel joy in a hug or the squeeze of hand, we can see joy in a smile or hear it in laughter. Help us to not overlook the simple joys that peak into our lives daily. This week in our Advent journey, open our eyes to the joy that surrounds us. Amen.