by Donna Peterson
He came down that we may have Joy;
Hallelujah forever more.
ELW 253
The third week of Advent, we light the candle of Joy. One of the suggested Bible verses for this week is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Rejoice always, giving joy always! Praying without ceasing! What are you praying for this Advent season? Give Thanks in all circumstances. I know I need to continue working on this call to action. How do you measure up in giving thanks in all circumstances?
The hymn, He Came Down tells us that because of baby Jesus’ coming, we are to have joy. During this season of waiting, it is a great time to reflect on the joy that each of us has. I look at the abundance that I have. That brings me to ask the question: “What brings you joy?” And “In what ways can we show the joy of the Lord to others?”
The SALT Appeal seems like a great way for me to share my abundance, bringing Joy to others. That is what gives me joy. Do you have abundance that you would like to share? Would that choice of share bring you joy?
Colossians 4 tells us to devote ourselves to prayer, to be watchful, and to be thankful. This instruction seems to echo 1 Thessalonians 5. Furthermore, Colossians 4 encourages us to be wise in how we act toward outsiders and to make the most of every opportunity. In verse 6, it instructs, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Let’s season our conversations and our abundance.
My blessing wish to you is that you find joy in the coming of baby Jesus. That you let SALT season and guide your conversations & giving during this Advent season, in all circumstances.
Donna Peterson is member of Grace Lutheran Church in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. She is the new past WELCA Synodical President of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin.