Be Glad, Be Joyful

Sunday 17th December 2023

From Psalm 126:
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.
Come, Lord, and bring your joy to lift our spirits at this Christmas time.

​Today is the third Sunday in Advent, with the theme of Joy, and in the reading from 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul issues an inspiring and challenging command to rejoice. And so we reflect on some of the simple pleasures for which we are grateful.