| We are now in our third week of Advent and the word for the week is JOY. I find it interesting that Christmas time should be a season of joy, but we often see a world quite contrary to something joyful. |
| From competitive and angry holiday deal shoppers to the stress of finding the perfect gift, and to mourning the absence and/or loss of special people in our lives. The truth is this time of year can be quite difficult for all of us for one reason or another. While we wish this season was truly full of joy and cheer, our reality is a bit more nuanced and complex. This week I am reminded of one of my favorite contemporary worship songs which talk about the joy God can bring amidst our pain. The lyrics say: You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes There maybe pain in the night But joy comes in the morning As we await the coming of Jesus at Christmas, may we remember the faithfulness of God and the promise to restore the joy of God’s people. When Jesus came, he truly became a light in the darkness. He came into a world full of pain, confusion, chaos, and division. The same is true today. Jesus comes to shine light among the darkness of our world and to once again restore the joy of the world. Psalm 30 verse 5 says, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” This week I pray that each of us might hold fast to this promise and eagerly anticipate the moment when joy will come indeed. Let us draw near to one another during this season as we find joy together in God’s faithfulness and love. We look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday! Pastor Kipp |
