Advent - Joy

Heavenly Father, creator of the universe,
We rejoice in your kindness to us
You who chose to give us the gift of joy!
-the warmth we feel when seeing those we love, unrestrainable, unencumbered release Endlessly light and limitlessly powerful

Able to drive away the darkness and cast the world in hopeful light.

Just as the angels proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest” in the fields of Judea So do I declare this joy over my city,
and every heart and mind that have given up on the hope of joy again.

Fill me once again with joy-
living in the knowledge of a cross where I can trade my sorrows for a yoke that is easy
May my rising be easy, filled with gratitude and optimism for the day you have made Throughout my day, lead my eyes to see your goodness, to laugh freely, and love easily
As I lay my head down to rest, guide me to meditate on what you have done for me, to rejoice in my freedom and to reflect on the many blessings you have given me
And lead me in the paths of joy in the season to come
Amen.

Galatians 5:22, Luke 2:10, Psalm 139:12, Luke 2:14, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 118:24, Psalm 119:55