THE ADVENT CANDLE OF JOY

Throughout Advent, candles are lit, not only in churches but in many homes too and ours is no exception.  On each Sunday in Advent we are encouraged to think of the meaning of the different candles - the first was the candle symbolising Hope, last week it was the candle of Love and today it is the candle to symbolise Joy.

We anticipate, with joy, the coming of the Christ Child, and we are encouraged to bring joy into the lives of others.  It has been more difficult for us all in these last months, because of lockdowns, being separated from loved ones, working from home and for many of us, it has meant staying in our own homes without seeing that many people.

However, we can still bring joy by the things we do - praying, thinking of loved ones, writing and sending notes of encouragement, speaking to someone on the telephone and speaking to those who knock on our door.  Most people will have seen either the postman or the men who collect the rubbish faithfully, and many of them do it uncomplainingly in all winds and weathers.  Most of the time, when I see the men collecting our rubbish, I don’t even need to go out to see them, but I just give them a “thumbs up” from my kitchen window and invariably get a wave back.  It doesn’t take much to bring joy into the lives of others.

On this third Sunday in Advent, is there someone you need to write to, so that they may feel and share your joy when they open a letter or card?  Is there someone you could wave to, even if you are not able to get out?  Is there someone you could ring to “make their day”?  

As Christians, we eagerly await Christmas Day, to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the one who brought hope, love and joy to our world then and still does now.  

I pray that everyone reading this, whatever their beliefs, will know the pleasure and happiness of giving joy, especially today, and throughout the coming week. 

Advent Haiku
Even at Christmas
loneliness, grief and hurt thrive.
We can offer light.
Kathryn Epps