Joy in the midst

Dear church family,

Parenting is hard, it is exhausting, and rewarding. I am not alone in this feeling, Right? 

Being a parent is one of the greatest gifts. I remember the first hours of their lives. I remember the joy, the excitement, the anticipation, the awe of how much love I felt for each of my children from the very beginning..  

But they don’t stay small. They grow and they grow, and they grow.  They grow up and come into their own little personality.  They make us giggle.  Their laughs can be contagious.  These little gifts from God, can also make us cry.  They can push our buttons, they can say and do things that bring us to tears.  Parenting is filled with so much joy, but at times it can absolutely torment us. 

I knew what I was getting into but I did not know what I was getting into... I didn’t understand parental love until I was in the midst of it. I wouldn’t trade any of it. 

I have always wondered if Mary really knew what she was getting into or how hard being the earthly parent to God’s son, the prince of Peace, would be. I wonder how she found joy in the midst of what was a really messy situation? 

I hope you will join us as we continue our advent journey to the INN. This week we light the candle of Joy.  I invite you to consider these questions in preparation for worship: 

• How did Mary find joy in the midst of the messiness of an unplanned pregnancy? 

• How are you finding joy this season? 

• How might you share joy with others?

I look forward to seeing you in worship as we seek to find deeper meaning this Christmas through the joy and messiness of life’s journey. 

With Gratitude,
Rodney