First, “rejoice” is the message in this 3^rd week of Advent.  We’re invited to rejoice and spread joy as we prepare to celebrate.  And scripture assures us that God is in our midst rejoicing with us: “God will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love.”  Zephaniah 3:l7

And in this, the darkest time of our year, John’s gospel reminds us that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”  A modern poet shares a similar conviction, “In a dark time, the eye begins to see.”

May we face into whatever darknesses we may be living with, trusting that we’ll begin to see the light, that we’ll be graced anew this holy season.