December 16, 2018

​Third Sunday of Advent - Joy
 
Luke 2:10-11  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
 
At the beginning of 2018 one of the contributors to my daily devotionals book wrote about how she has the practice of choosing a word for the year – a word she focuses on for the next twelve months. Her idea spoke to me, and I chose two words, both new to me, that perfectly describe a concept: pentimento (Italian) and kintsugi (Japanese).
 
In our world, great emphasis is placed on perfection. These concepts show how beauty in all its forms can be enhanced by acknowledging the cracks and scars in an object, as well as in our lives. The artist acknowledges the flaws in his/her creation and uses them as part of the finished work. Throughout this year I have found countless places where these words just fit.
 
In anticipation of 2019, I have already chosen my word: Joy. A word I struggle to define. It is so much more than happiness, I think. Throughout Advent and Christmas, we hear this word often. For me it is an indescribable feeling over which I seem to have little control. It has appeared at unexpected times and places. But it always comes at the Advent season, remembering the joy that must have surrounded the Christ Child, the joy of the miracle of birth. The angels and the kings kneeled in celebration. We do the same as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, the baby, and Christ, the man. Joy to the world!
 
In this season, I invite you to define what joy means to you.
 
Creator of all joy, be near to us in this season of Advent, making us ever aware of the joy that is ours in this and every season.
 
JoAnn Boyd