JOY

Advent does not lead to nervous tension stemming from expectation of something spectacular about to happen. On the contrary, it leads to a growing inner stillness and joy allowing me to realize that he for whom I am waiting has already arrived and speaks to me in the silence of my heart. Just as a mother feels the child grow in her and is not surprised on the day of the birth but joyfully receives the one she learned to know during her waiting, so Jesus can be born in my life slowly and steadily and be received as the one I learned to know while waiting.
- Henri Nouwen, Genesee Diary

This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people. - Luke 1:25

God of Elizabeth,
When Elizabeth heard news of joy,
she celebrated
not because she was part of an important story
but because a kind story
had wrapped itself around her,
and the disgrace she had endured
was lightened.
Lighten the places of our disgraces. Lighten them.
Wrap yourself and your story around us.
Because you can be the great story
that surrounds us.
Amen
- Padraig O Tuama, Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community

For the 3rd week of Advent the focus is on JOY. If you are using the At-Home Advent Retreat material I welcome you to leave your response here. We will all benefit from the wider conversation.

Many blessings on your Advent waiting...