JOY Daily Devotional: Advent 3 – Dec 15

• Scripture: Luke 2:10 ––  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
• Meditation: Joy springs from within and arises as a state of being that is independent of external circumstances. Joy is made possible, especially, through spiritual practices that connect us to something greater than ourselves. Psytchological research suggests that the following traits contribute to  include (1) growing in authenticity and living more into one’s strengths, (2) growing in depth of relationships and contributing to others, and (3) living more aligned with one’s ethical and spiritual ideals. (link to full article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-resilience/202007/what-is-joy-and-what-does-it-say-about-us)
• Spiritual Practice: Today, take time to eflect on what brings you joy. Share your joy with someone, whether it’s through words, a note, or a simple gesture.

SONGS:

• Joy by Andy Grammer : https://youtu.be/-cjB1EIfhes?si=bubSC_VJdRtyZ1Kp
• I’ve Got Joy by CeCe Winans: https://youtu.be/DQ2vBAw_1uY?si=_paam3Lz0DQfrDK3

HOW JOY WORKS
A Blessing —Jan Richardson

You could not stop it
if you tried—
how this blessing
begins to sing
every time it sees
your face,
how it turns itself
in wonder
merely at the mention
of your name.

It is simply
how joy works,
going out to you
when you least expect,
running up to meet you
when you had not thought
to ask.