Connection, Joy and Comfort

All too often I find that my days fill up pretty fast, especially during the holidays.  When this happens, it can be easy to complain about the long day.  Weariness can set in as the exhaustion intensifies.  It can be difficult to find joy.  Until someone says or does something silly.  Then we all break out laughing and once that starts the house is filled with laugher that warms our hearts and breaks through the exhaustion, even if it is only for a moment.  That moment of laughter can change your mood. 

The focus of the Sanctified Art devotion for the Second Week of Advent is “We find joy in connection.”  Many long for connection, for a place to fit in, and for folks that can be called upon when we need them.  As an extrovert I find great joy in connecting with people, lots of people.  It recharges me and energizes me.  But for many folks, being around a lot of people can be overwhelming.  Whether you enjoy being around many people or just a few, we all need connections. 

Sanctified Art writes, “In community, our joy expands. When we can’t rejoice, we can carry each other’s joy. That is what Elizabeth and Mary do for each other. The good news begins to take shape in Elizabeth’s womb, but scripture tells us that she stays secluded, hiding her pregnancy from others—that is, until Mary arrives at her door, also pregnant. Perhaps Mary’s arrival is the inbreaking that changes everything for Elizabeth, for in that moment, her child leaps in her womb and she is filled with the Spirit. She can’t help but to rejoice. Her joy is contagious and wraps around Mary like a hug. Through the prophet Isaiah, we hear God speak tender words of comfort; this is the comfort we can give to and receive from each other during this season.”

If you are struggling to find joy this holiday season, I encourage you to be in community with others and carry the joy of others.  I pray that you will find comfort when you are in community with others, either at church or at gatherings with family and friends.  I wish you all a Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas. 

Yours in Christ, 

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber