Image: For Joy © Jan L. Richardson
Reading from the Gospels, Advent 4, Year C: Luke 1.39-45
“For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting,
the child in my womb leaped for joy.”
—Luke 1.44
For Joy
You can prepare
but still
it will come to you
by surprise
crossing through your doorway
calling your name in greeting
turning like a child
who quickens suddenly
within you
it will astonish you
how wide your heart
will open
in welcome
for the joy
that finds you
so ready
and still so
unprepared.
P.S. For a previous reflection on this passage, click the image or title below:
Advent 4: The Sanctuary They Make in Meeting
Last year I created a blessing for the Winter Solstice that has found its way into lots of Longest Night/Blue Christmas services. To visit this blessing, click this image or title:
Winter Solstice: Blessing for the Longest Night
[To use the image “For Joy,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Advent Door possible. Thank you!]
An Illuminated Joy
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