I wonder. Is there something that has given you joy this week? Can you think of something that has given you a spark of delight, deep in your gut?

These were some of my joy-moments this week: the cacophony of birdsong on a dog walk; the thrill of singing simple harmonies in a group (aptly called 'Noisy Joy'!); hearing friends talk of small breakthroughs and new jobs; seeing the photos of Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds in Wolverhampton & London (see above); and gathering with some of the Drumbeats families around the church's Christmas tree.

Joy in the midst of mess:
It strikes me that joy does not wait in the wings until everything is right in the world or in our lives. Joy bursts onto the stage and steps into the scenes that also feature ordinariness and struggles, tiredness and uncertainty. It does not remove the challenges, but it does energise, inspire and lighten the load for a time.

Jesus stepping into the world was declared to be 'good news of great joy to all people.' (Luke 2:10-11). The joy of God fulfilling his promise of restorative work; of honouring life by becoming human; of valuing the vulnerable, weak and marginal; of making God more accessible then ever before; of being creative, surprising and humble in how he did it. I could go on! The joy of Jesus is tasted in the midst of the mess of life.

Thank you:
And today, I want to thank you for being joy-bearers of Christ this Advent and Christmas season. You have been praying, cleaning, creating, rehearsing, welcoming, serving, visiting and organising, and you've done it at a time when life is busy and evenings are dark. Through this, together we are offering a joy rooted in Christ to the community around us. 

May joy step into your weekend in a way that is a gentle and a deep blessing.
Sera and the St Denys team.