Advent 3 - Joy

Well, the boiler at the church failed this week, but we are blessed that it is able to be replaced quickly. Sunday morning should be warm and dry at Tobermory United! Something like this reminds us that things can change in an instant, sometimes in life-changing ways. This week, we focus on Joseph, who, suddenly faced with the improbable knowledge that his betrothed is with child by the Holy Spirit, must make a decision about what to do. Does he dismiss Mary quietly? Or does he get on board with this crazy situation that will surely bring him shame and ridicule? We’ll hear “Joseph’s Story,” a story I wrote a few years ago, that tries to imagine Joseph’s dilemma.

This, week, Advent 3, we celebrate Joy. Does trust bring joy? Christa Hesselink writes a blog called Soulplay. She writes, “When I'm craving joy, I know I'm being invited into the cave of trust. It's a lesson I am learning every day. This is the practice of strengthening our muscles of surrender and placing fidelity and hope in our longings. And... it has led to great joy in myself and others. When we slow down and wake up, we can love well...and this really is 'joy to (and for) the world'.” You can read Christa’s entire post here: https://soulplay.substack.com/

This Sunday, we also have a special musical treat! Dominik Franken and Dan Corcoran will be joining us as musical guests! We’ve carved out the end of the service as a mini-concert, and Dan and Dominik have been practicing everything from Bach to Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here” (from A Charlie Brown Christmas). Not to be missed!

In the meantime, read Matthew 1:18-25 and ponder the following:

1.      Do you believe that trust leads to joy?

2.      If you were in Joseph’s position, what would you do?

Image: “Birth of Christ,” anonymous, sculpture at a church in Paris