Advent Week Three: Joy
This is the third week by Trudy. So honest and sincere. Love it.
The Shepherds’ candle: the Angels appeared to the shepherds’ during work life in the middle of the night.
Repentance. Stir up the joy cup.
Have you kept up on the daily reads and remembered to light the candle of Prophecy and Faith each night? To be honest, we missed it last night and caught up on it today which means a double blessing! Further honesty, a few nights we substituted a different candle and lit a different one at the dinner table. I’m used to only practicing Advent on Sundays, not every weeknight.
Have you become aware of something new (about yourself, others) during this celebration?
Years ago, I was taught in Sunday School that Joy came when Jesus Others You was applied in my daily living: in that order: JOY, get it? I suppose that taking this to the extreme can turn into or appear as codependency. Balance is key.
Recently I had been much requested (demanded) by others to “be happy” which really rubbed me the wrong way at the time having been slapped with the perfect storm of loss: my dad, my job, and my lifestyle. Oh, and did I say sleep?
Over time, I slowly transformed into a grumpy stay-at-home caregiver, I became more isolated before COVID hit and more over time, stopped my self-care: spiritually, physically, and mentally. Contact with my family and girlfriends diminished.
While the method of message delivery from loved ones regarding my behavior was sucky, it reality hit home square in the face and heart: they were right. My attitude needed repair. (Pray for me).
There has been a theme in my life since about 2012: Joy and Sorrow being sisters in the same room: a contemplative study. “The Cup of Our Life” by Joyce Rupp. I could do a whole book review on this because it impacted me greatly. If you get anything from this week, know this. JOY comes from within, and HAPPINESS is a result of an outside condition.
Sunday
Bring a smile to someone each day this week: answer the phone with a “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and pretend you don’t have caller ID.
Monday
Remember the spirit of Tiny Tim. Keep a Christmas journal.
Ring a bell and say, “an angel got her wings.” Sing loud, hug tight, and be tender.
Wednesday
Count your blessings. Keep secrets.
Thursday
Hang a mistletoe and keep a twinkle in your eye.
Friday
Admit it when you are wrong. Forgive and forget, forgive and forget; however long it takes.
Saturday
Listen to the silent night. Find a bright star. Take the road less traveled.
Be happy, it is the best gift you can give to your loved ones.
Sing “Comfort and Joy” and do not feel guilty about some sadness you might feel at the same time this season: It’s normal.
