Advent means ‘Coming’ in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. …

Laughter and shouts of joy are signs of coming restoration, says the Psalmist. It is an important reminder in the Advent season of preparation, of the joy that is ours in knowing the power of love in our lives.

Joy can seem in short supply in our world today. With so much divisiveness, many people are on edge and feeling anything but joyful.

“Joy is an act of resistance against despair and its forces.”

This is a multifaceted response that allows for the ways in which joy and sorrow can co-exist and the possibility that we have to elect joy in defiance of despair.

The winter holiday season is meant to be a season of joy but is experienced by many as a season of sorrow. We miss those who have died, whether recent or long ago. We may both welcome and dread family gatherings.

We are overwhelmed with the demands of the season to purchase gifts, to send cards, to attend gatherings. We have concern for the many people whose basic needs are not met in this season that promotes extravagance and wonder how we can respond.

Can we practice joy as an act of resistance against despair and its forces? Yes!!

Smile. Thank someone. Sing. Laugh. Have a good cry. Tell someone you love them. Do something for someone who needs it.

As Christians celebrate Joy on this third Sunday of Advent, may we all be reminded of the power of joy to make the world a better place.

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Advent -week 2
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