Though traditionally “rejoice” is the third week of Advent, we want our response to the Story that God has been writing throughout history, be that of rejoicing. When it’s easy. When it’s hard. We want to be a person who rejoice, not necessarily in our circumstance, but in God.
In her book, The Circle of Seasons, Kimberlee Conway Ireton writes, “During Advent, we are to be like my friend, joyfully aware of the presence of God in our lives. Like Mary, we are to wait actively, joyfully, and expectantly for the new life that has been and will be born into the world. And also like Mary, we are to be agents of this birthing. We are to bring the Light of the world into the world.”
Joyfully aware of the presence of God in our lives.
Yes, yes, yes our souls whisper. Some years joy oozes our of other. Others? It seems that joy has dried up and may never flow again. If this year is one where joy is not coming easily, please still come and if you need us to help carry joy on your behalf, we will. Part of community is that we don’t have to be everything. And if this is a year that joy is flowing? No need to hide it! Enjoy. Rejoice. We need your joy.
Let’s dialogue throughout the week about “rejoice” in the post comments, and let’s share on Instagram. Share a pic of what helps you to rejoice and use #VelvetAshesRejoice. Then at the week’s end, we’ll see you at The Grove.