Sandra Brown

Link to this week’s Advent devotional: joy.

WEEK of JOY

Sun, Dec 13 – DAY 15

Joy becomes the focus of our candle-lighting this week. How does the light of joy shine in your life?

            One question we often ask is the distinction between joy and happiness. Happiness is often described as an emotional state of being that depends on external and goal-oriented circumstances to find fulfillment: it is defined by outward connections, accomplishments, and experiences. Joy, on the other hand, arises from an internal and spiritual wellspring. Happiness might be considered the arrival at a desired destination, while joy can take place at any time, by savoring the journey along the way, regardless of what’s happening.

            So what spiritual practices support joy? As we have reflected in the past, find a way to re-frame a day through gratitude and appreciation is an excellent starting point. Advent is a wonderful time to explore this question and find resources that can build this capacity within you.
—  Rev Gail

I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. — John 15:11

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. ― Rumi

… joy came from deeply held spiritual beliefs but it also came from a place even beyond that. Joy comes when you make peace with who you are, where you are, why you are, and who you are not with. When you need nothing more than your truth and the love of a good God to bring peace … — Sandra Brown