JOY

Joy
We light the Advent wreath each Sunday before Christmas in preparation for the coming of Christ. This Sunday we will light the candle of Joy. So, what exactly is joy? We tend to use the word ‘happy’ more often. But Joy is different.

Joy is our response to Hope and Peace.
Have you ever witnessed joy at a funeral? Laughter around the casket is a fairly common phenomenon. As we come together to mourn the death of a loved one, we begin to share stories of that person’s life. More precisely how we experienced the joy of life with them. Before you know it, laughter breaks out through the tears. In this moment we experience the promise of eternal life, death has lost its sting. Our loved one is at peace with our Lord. That assurance allows us to rejoice in the midst of pain.  

The force of Life is found in Hope, Peace, and Joy.
While death (and taxes) might be inevitable, it cannot overcome the Light of the World. This cosmic force of life is Emmanuel, “God with us.” We experience God’s presence in hope, peace, and joy.  A person can live an entire life having never experienced true joy. This is a life never fully lived.

The Light of Life
Personally, I find peace in my relationship with Jesus. When the days seem dark, I find hope in the promise that Christ is with me. Always. Even unto the end of the age. You too can experience this Joy. Come light a candle with us.

See you Sunday!
Missy