Tag: joy

Pastor’s Notes 12/12/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.
Isaiah 35:1,2

This Sunday we will continue our Advent journey with the lighting of the Candle of Joy.

Our scripture will come from Isaiah 35:1–10, a beautiful promise that the wilderness will bloom, dry land will rejoice, and weary hearts will be renewed. It is a passage filled with movement, color, and hope. The prophet has a vision of God’s transforming joy breaking into places that once felt barren.

Our main symbol this week is the poinsettia, a flower often associated with Christmas, but also rich with spiritual meaning. According to legend, the poinsettia first bloomed when a child, who had nothing else to give, offered a simple bundle of weeds in love. God transformed that humble gift into something radiant and beautiful.

This week, we will reflect together on what it means to be people who believe that even dry places can flower, even weary souls can sing again, and even small gifts can become something sacred. Joy comes from what we offer, not from what we possess. Joy blooms when we bring our hearts honestly to God.

P.S. Tuesday’s ugly sweater Christmas party was so much fun. Thanks to all of you for your participation and good-hearted willingness to play games and have fun. The random outbreaking of a snowball fight is a memory I will carry with me for a long time!

P.P.S. I also wish to extend an invitation to a Christmas Day Open House that Rev. Trish and I are hosting at our home from 4-7pm. I will have our address and more information in the days ahead!

Many blessings and I look forward to worshipping with you on YouTube and in person on Sunday.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 12/8/2023

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. –Luke 1:39-41

One thing the authors of our “How does a weary world rejoice” want to impress upon us is that in community, our joy expands. Even when personally, we are weary and may find it hard to rejoice, we can carry each other’s joy. Not only are Elizabeth and Mary kin, but they now become deeply kindred spirits for one another.

The good news begins to take shape in Elizabeth’s womb, but scripture tells us that she stays secluded, hiding her pregnancy from others—that is, until Mary arrives at her door, also pregnant. Perhaps Mary’s arrival is the inbreaking that changes everything for Elizabeth, for in that moment, her child leaps in her womb and she is filled with the Spirit. She can’t help but rejoice.

Being around people who aren’t afraid to expose their excitement permits us to do the same. Joy thrives when it can be shared. Joy operates so much better when it is a communal experience. Engaging in moments that connect us is why parents who are expecting invite those they love to gender reveal parties. This is why fans thousands upon thousands of fans fill stadiums for sporting events and concerts, to share joy with others.

Our authors remind us that Joy is fundamentally rooted in connection, but connection expands beyond just human relationships. We experience joy through feeling a deep connection to ourselves, our loved ones, to God, to nature, and to the whole cosmos that surrounds us. As we look to the Gospel text, many sermons may emphasize how Elizabeth provides sanctuary for Mary. However, this year, we hope to highlight a different angle: perhaps Mary’s arrival is what pulls Elizabeth out of her seclusion, allowing her to experience joy and delight.

On Sunday we will celebrate the mutuality of Elizabeth and Mary’s bond—even if they each cannot feel joy for themselves, they are both holding joy for each other. From that connection, joy grows. We are connected as the body of Christ; we are on a journey of faith together! See you Sunday.

Brett