Advent Week 3: Joy

Focus: We are more than halfway through the Advent season as we continue to wait and
prepare for the coming of the holy child. Waiting can be tiresome, even lonesome, for
many people, and making preparations can be just as hard – especially on those of us
who struggle with anxiety. It would seem that the people in our Advent scriptures were
also feeling tired and anxious. The latter portion of Psalm 30:5 states, “Weeping may
endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” While this may be true in some
circumstances, it certainly is not always the case. Indeed, joy seems unattainable and
unrealistic for people who have spent a large portion of their lives watching and waiting
for things to get better. But something deep down keeps us going, looking forward,
watching and waiting – and hoping. Perhaps that something is joy.

Where and how are you finding joy this Advent? Think about this question as we move
through our time together.

Sentences on the Subject:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to
everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

“We worship a God whose purpose for our lives is always more expansive and pervasive
than we can imagine for ourselves. There is a sense in which we are never simply
waiting for what we have been promised. God’s vision for us as individuals is always
somehow connected to God’s love for creation.” (Okoro 65)

“Advent seems as much a time to dwell in holy friendship as a time to wait on God.
Ultimately, we are called to friendship with God, and we imitate this divine call to
friendship as we practice sharing ourselves and our stories with one another.
…Friendship is another way of being in covenant with God.” (Okoro 71)

“There are still others who find their joy deep in the heart of their religious experience.
It is not related to, dependent upon, or derived from, any circumstances or conditions in
the midst of which they must live. It is a joy independent of all vicissitudes. There is a
strange quality of awe in their joy that is but a reflection of the deep calm water of the
spirit out of which it comes. It is primarily a discovery of the soul, when God makes
known [God’s] presence, where there are no words, no outward song, only the Divine
Movement. This is the joy that the world cannot give. This is the joy that keeps watch
against all the emissaries of sadness of mind and weariness of soul. This is the joy that
comforts and is the companion, as we walk even through the valley of the shadow of
death.” (Thurman 94)

“Sometimes joy is compounded of many elements: a touch of sadness, a whimper of
pain, a harsh word tenderly held until all its arrogance dies, the casting of the eye into
the face that understands, the clasp of a hand that holds, then releases, a murmur of
tenderness where no word is spoken, the distilled moment of remembrance of a day, a
night, an hour, lived beyond the sweep of the daily round – joy is often compounded of
many things.” (Thurman 92)
“bring Buddha
to rest home
in Kentucky hills
that outside each window
a light may shine
not a guilt teaching tradition
be balanced
know loving kindness
end suffering
rejoice in the oneness of life
then let go
carry nothing on your back
travel empty
as you climb steep mountain paths” (bell hooks “23”, Appalachian Elegy)

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Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation.
Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for
others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. You read above from Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman that “joy is often compounded
of many things.” Listen to this meditation excerpt from Thurman as he elaborates on the
subject, “Joy Beyond Pain”. How does Thurman’s understanding of joy resonate with
or differ from your own?

Probe 2. Speaking of God’s promises, Isaiah 40:11 states, “He will feed his flock like a
shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently
lead the mother sheep.” Enuma Okoro suggests that “such an image can greatly alter the
way we see ourselves before God while we wait.” How does the imagining God as a
mother sit with you? What motherly attributes does God hold for you?

Probe 3. We are approaching the end of the calendar year. Reflect on where you were
physically, spiritually, emotionally at the beginning of 2021 and where you are now.
What brought you joy? What are you excited or hopeful for in the year to come?

Take Away. Advent happens once a year, but it doesn’t have to end at Christmas.
Advent can become a ritual, a practice, even a sacrament to sustain us through these
holy-days and beyond. Perhaps connecting in friendship and community is one way we
can practice joy in our hearts all year long. Take a moment to light your Advent wreath
or candle. As you light it, remember this poem by Howard Thurman:
The old song of my spirit has wearied itself out.
It has long ago been learned by heart;
It repeats itself over and over,
Bringing no added joy to my days or lift to my spirit.
I will sing a new song.
I must learn the new song for the new needs.
I must fashion new words born of all the new growth of my life – of my mind – of my spirit.
I must prepare for new melodies that have never been mine before,
That all that is within me may lift my voice unto God.
Therefore, I shall rejoice with each new day
And delight my spirit in each fresh unfolding.
I will sing, this day, a new song unto the Lord.

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about
life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who
are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be
present; be in the moment. Be kind, even toward those with whom you disagree. Be
humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If
possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where
you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.