15 Dec 2024
7 CommentsChoose Joy
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For 15 December 2024, The Third Sunday of Advent, based on Zephaniah 3:14–18a
(Photo by Senjuti Kundu on Unsplash)
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgements against you,
he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall fear disaster no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak.
The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
as on a day of festival.
Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
15 December 2024 @ 3:51 pm
Thanks, Connie, for this oh-so-needed reminder of the one condition for joy — belief in the
prophet’s promise that God is in our midst, no matter what. An extraordinary gift to be prayed for. Beth
16 December 2024 @ 2:25 am
Thanks, Connie! In our world today, it is good to be continually reminded that the practice of choosing JOY, and HOPE, is up to each one of us. Your words have inspired me!
16 December 2024 @ 2:34 am
Thank you, thank you Connie. I needed to hear this. I’m particularly struck by your last line “God rejoices in us.” How can we not rejoice? I will reflect and pray on this line.
16 December 2024 @ 2:56 am
Beautiful Connie. How time appropriate that we need Hope and a promise of Love!??
16 December 2024 @ 3:22 am
God —and joy—is always with us. It is our blessing to live it, always, and to share that good news with all.
16 December 2024 @ 4:33 am
Thank you Connie for this insightful preaching. In a time when joy feels unattainable, you have helped me to recognize its free gift and its Giver- our ever present God.
16 December 2024 @ 8:23 am
Oh Connie! What a beautiful reflection and just what I needed to hear. I just came from the Holy Family Christmas pageant where my great granddaughter was an angel and my great grandson was a drummer boy and received news that a new great granddaughter was born this#morning. Despite my recent loss I am filled with joy. My cup overflows Thank you.