Sunday Stretch: Vol. 13

Start off your week with a grounded take on Bible, prayer, the world, and your life ...

In a culture that prizes work ethic and “hustle” above nearly anything else, except maybe gratuitous wealth, extraneous joy can feel like a shameful act.

Meal prep, grind and rise, do the chores, wash the dishes, clean the clothes, pay those bills. Be happy - but serene.

I’m reminded at this point of the women who planned gatherings in January 2022 to simply scream together.

Those were, perhaps rightfully, mocked.

Still, even outright anger has become perhaps more socially acceptable than unrestrained joy.

That’s why we need this week of Advent so desperately. Welcome to the third week of JOY. You have permission to be joyful. Right now. Jesus is about to be born.

Pure, unbridled joy is often seen in infants and toddlers (like my own, pictured above several years ago) — but they’re not the only ones who need joy.

Bible Stories

Here are some weekly readings (from the Revised Common Lectionary), and some reflection thoughts/questions: