JOY

The third week of Advent focuses on JOY.  It is the only pink candle while the other 3 arepurple (hope, love and peace) This week began with "rejoicing sunday" but as a whole, the nation is finding it hard to rejoice.  And maybe you, due to specific painful circumstances, find it hard to rejoice this advent season.....

However, I did want to post this article on JOY and Avent in the wake of the CT shootings.  Also, read this article about the third candle in the midst of pain as well.

"After this, we are reminded of the reason we can rejoice: the Lord is near. The Psalmist tells us “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:19) That is a promise to hold onto in the midst of this pain."

Despite whatever pain we see, feel or witness, we have a lot to rejoice in: The Lord is near - near to us in our pain and suffering! That is the only thing that can provide hope, joy and peace for the brokenhearted.