Greetings …

After themes of Hope and Peace in the first two weeks of Advent, our theme for this week is Joy. 

Joy should be an easy thing for us, yet as we grow older we sometimes relegate joy to the background and instead are satisfied with happiness or contentment.  Yet joy is all around us if we open our eyes and hearts just a little.

Joy has been evident recently in the reunions of people at airports after long periods apart due to enforced border closures with families connecting again.  Joy is also present in the everyday – in sounds of music, the happy faces of children, and in beautiful decorations and lights we display for Christmas.

But joy is more than an emotion.  It is a choice made by opening our hearts and trusting in God’s light of love.  May we each choose joy!

I hope you are finding reflecting through the Names of Jesus Advent Calendar encouraging.  Here is the next instalment …

13 December:   Man of Sorrows                Isaiah 53:3

14 December:   Alpha & Omega              Revelation 1:8

15 December:   Prince of Peace                Isaiah 9:6

16 December: The Way                    John 14:6

17 December: Lord                          Acts 2:36

18 December: Morning Star            Revelation 22:16

19 December: Good Shepherd          John 10:11

Wishing you hope, peace and overwhelming joy this Advent Season.

Blessings – Heather.