Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 This Sunday we will light our third advent candle. This candle is the candle for "Joy." I wonder if you are struggling with joy during this prolonged season of waiting. Both the Old Testament lesson and the Psalm for Sunday speak about joy in their own way. Isaiah speaks of a day when God’s servant will provide us with “the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.” The psalmist reminds us that “Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.” While we will not read the lesson from Thessalonians on Sunday, Paul also reminds us of the importance of joy. To “rejoice always.” JOY. Not necessarily happiness. Happiness is usually based on externals…people, places, things, circumstances. Because of this, happiness is often fleeting. Joy comes from within…from the deep assurance and trust in God’s faithfulness and love for us regardless of the externals. Because of this, I can experience joy regardless of my external circumstances. This is why Paul, writing to the church in Thessalonica, encourages them to “rejoice always” and give “give thanks in all circumstances." So we wait during this Advent season – and it feels like it has been Advent all year long. Our joy is not dependent on our health, the economy, the weather, a job, or any number of externals. As Christians, we take advantage of those opportunities to give thanks in all our circumstances. And as we do so, we find that we are full of expectant joy…for the celebration of Christ’ presence in His incarnation… for the reminders of God’s love and presence in our daily lives. Blessings,
Matthew+ | 
