One definition of joy is “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good.”

Dear Congregation,

Advent is going by quickly as it always seems to do. The purple candles of Hope and Peace have been lit on the Advent Wreath, and this Sunday the Smith family will light the third candle, the pink candle of Joy. One definition of joy is   “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good.”

I particularly like this quote about joy by French philosopher and Jesuit priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” You’ll be seeing it printed in your worship bulletin as the Preparation for Worship quotation.

Sunday’s worship services will be joy-filled as we sing carols of joy, hear the scripture story of Mary’s joyful visit to her cousin Elizabeth, and invite our children to add the figures to our crèche representing the angel who said to shepherds living in the fields, “…I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”

I think we could all use more joy in our lives, so I invite you to be present this Sunday in worship and experience the joy!

In the Joy of Christ,

Pastor Candy Thomas
Interim Pastor
Christ Congregational United Church of Christ