The third Sunday in Advent sees the lighting of the candle signifying joy. How joyful are you these days?

Thursday, the last time I posted here, I seemed anything but joyful. I realize now that my malaise was real – the onset of a cold that more or less knocked me out of circulation since then.

Am I joyful that it is a cold and not COVID (yes I tested)? I think thankful would be a better word. It is the new normal that even if you are certain you have cold symptoms, you check, just to be sure.

Yet today, even with the world in chaos, is a good time to consider joy. Two weeks ago we reflected on Hope. Last week was Peace. Today is Joy.

Joy is like adrenaline. It comes in bursts. There is an excitement to it. It is intense and overwhelming. And it is always good.

When was the last time you felt joy? Probably too long ago. I don’t think it is something that happens often for most of us.

Christmas though, when you take the time to reflect, is indeed a season of joy. How can you not feel joy when you think about what the birth of Jesus means, God becoming flesh. Joy, and mystery as well.

Today I did something I haven’t done in a long time: I attended church online. I much prefer to be in the service in person, but with a cough and sniffles I figured others might not be thrilled by my presence.

Today’s sermon was on Joy, which makes sense given this is the third Sunday in Advent. What surprised me though was the Scripture passage: Luke 15, which is best known for the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Not what I would have thought of as a Christmas passage. But imagine the joy the father felt when he saw the son in the distance, returning home. that is Joy with a capital J.

But it made sense. I’ve included the link below so that if you are so inclined you can check it out. The sermon starts at the 32:50 mark. Feel free to skip the announcements and singing beforehand.

I thought it was very appropriate for the day. It didn’t make me feel joyful, but I did feel better after listening than before.