Advent this year.

Joy is often a companion to many other emotions. We can feel joy

in addition to feeling many other things at once: grief, anticipation,

anxiety, excitement, disappointment, exhaustion. Perhaps many of

us live with the myth that joy is not something we deserve—or that it

is wholly out of reach. But our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong

to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to

feel joy—fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy

is better when it is shared.

This theme of course alludes to a line in the familiar Christmas

hymn, “O Holy Night,”2 which has an interesting history. The song

was originally written by a French poet who was atheist, and the

music was supplied by a Jewish composer. The hymn was later

translated into English by an American Unitarian minister. In the

1800s, it became a popular hymn for Christian abolitionists due to

its justice-focused language in verse 3.3 Like Mary’s song, the hymn

reminds us that justice and joy belong together. Sometimes our joy

is an act of resistance.

And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy.

We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome

joy—even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for

comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find many ways

to rejoice.

Throughout the month of December, we will send out daily text messages with Prompts for Fostering Joy this season. If you  would like to subscribe to our advent calendar text "Advent" to (855) 424-9367

Or if you would like a PDF or physical copy, email Pastor Yost.

Throughout the series, we will have a devotional with readings and art to reflect on. We will send out a digital version to our email list each week. Sign up for our emails here. If you would like the digital version or a print version you can reach out to us via text at (855) 424-9367 or you can email Pastor Yost.

• Thursday, Dec 7th: Meet us at the monument lighting.
• Thursday, Dec 14: Visual Meditative Small Group on Zoom 6:30 PM
• Thursday, Dec 21: Service for the Weary at 6:30 PM. Join us in person or via Zoom for a service of prayer and reflection as we hold space for our grief during this holiday season as we seek to foster hope. See our home page for our address and Zoom Link