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Yesterday was the 3rd Sunday in Advent- the Sunday of Joy. It’s the week we light the pink candle. The scripture reading from Isaiah reminds us that this is time to give thinks, to shout and sing for joy, because in our midst is the Holy One of Israel. In the midst of awaiting the presence of the child in the manger, we should celebrate the holy that is already in our midst. Because the truth of the matter is, God is already with us. The Holy One is already among us—in our preparations and in our waiting.
Find the holy that is already in your midst. Celebrate!
I’ve found joy in an unexpected place lately. My wonderful spouse is Jewish and we are members of an amazing community here in Pasadena. We’ve found friends that we call the “kids table.” We’ve found an amazing Rabbi who not only performed our wedding ceremony but who also challenges us with amazing sermons and insight. We find ourselves smiling ridiculously wide and singing with joy each Friday night at Shabbat services with our amazing Cantor. And now, I’ve started finding Joy in my own denomination again—I’ve found a church where I think God is asking me to use gifts I’ve tucked away a and not used for a long time. And while I’m struggling with my Monday to Friday, 9-5 life, I’ve been able to find joy in my Friday nights and my Sunday mornings.
This is what I hear from the prophet Isaiah. Find the joy within you now—find the holy that is already in your midst. Celebrate! Sing Praises, now! While we wait for the birth, we also celebrate that joy we’ve already found in God, in Christ, and in each other.
How great our Joy, indeed.