10!!

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. The rose colored candle is lit to symbolize our joy that Christ's coming is near. With three candles burning, we sense light has won out over darkness. As you walk through this day, here are few thoughts for reflection on the topic of Joy.

Celebration is not just a way to make people feel good for a while; it is the way in which faith in the God of life is lived out, through both laughter and tears. Thus celebration goes beyond ritual, custom, and tradition. It is the unceasing affirmation that underneath all the ups and downs of life there flows a sold current of joy. ... Joy can be caught neither in one feeling or emotion nor in one ritual or custom but is always more than we expect, always surprising, and therefore always a sign that we are in the presence of the Lord of life. 

We might be tempted to dismiss this as wishful thinking or blissful dreaming, but those who have tasted the joy I speak about know how real it is, and those who have met truly joyful people also have no doubt about its reality.

                                                                              ~Henri Nouwen, Lifesigns

If we are truly in love with Christ and if we sense how much he loves us, our heart will 'light up' with a joy that spreads to everyone around us. 

               ~Pope Francis, from his visit to Brazil's Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, July 14, 2013

What brings you joy? Spend time today experiencing that joy and letting it shine over all those you meet.