Listen

Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t suppress the Spirit. Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21

Think

What is one good thing you experienced today? Name it. You woke up a little earlier than usual to pray? You called a loved one? A friend reached out to you? You got out of bed?

Rejoice always. How exactly is this done? Think of your answers to the questions in previous days. Even when it gets rough, our ability to remember to have joy will sustain us. Even when it feels impossible. We can hold on to those good things that remain true and joyful as memories. These are commands given to us.

This Advent season you are invited to continue to be intentional about being joyful. The more we practice joy, the more it becomes part of who we are.

Luz Cabrera Montes

Pray

Lord, teach me to delight in your word, teach me to pray, and teach me to be thankful even when I don’t see my own blessings. Amen.

Go

Choose joy, share joy, and make it a discipline.