In a week of difficult news, it’s often hard to find the joy. But we are called to seek it, to be awake to the inbreaking of God’s deep joy even in the midst of sorrow. Here is a prayer for that journey. – Rev. Rachel
Incarnate God, present among us even as we go through our daily lives, reveal your hope, peace, and joy to us this day. In a world in which torture is seen as a necessary method for gaining information and for enhancing our capabilities in war; in a world where justice might be served based more on skin color than crime; in a world ravaged by disease and fear, grief and pain, it can be hard to find your joy. Where there is not justice, there is no joy.
And yet, O God, your Christmas story reminds us that joy comes not in everything working out just right, but despite it working out. Joy comes where you break into the midst of a fear-ravaged world and proclaim that new life is born. Joy comes when we move beyond our worries and find your love waiting to be served to others, where we forget ourselves in service to you. Joy comes, against all odds.
Remind us, God, for we forget. Remind us of the power of your vulnerability the power of your flicker of light in the darkness, the power of your love.
We pray this in the name of Emmanuel, Jesus the Christ, present with us now. Amen.
About the Art: ‘Joy’ the third in a series of sumi-e (Japanese brush paintings) for Advent by Rev. Kent. Inspired by the plight of Palestinians in the holy land, the final link in the burst chain is formed by the Arabic word “farriha” for “joy,” the joy of captives set free and of all God’s children dwelling in peace.
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