Third Thursday of Advent

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear.

We should all shout for joy in response to how well God treats us. He created us at the moment of our conception and has loved us from the first spark of life. He protected us in the womb and has be our shield every since our birth. He loves us like a Father, who knows our hearts and minds and wants only the best for us. He is merciful to us when we fall into temptation and sin, seeking only to correct us and help us to make amends. He wants us to be saved and so He forgives and forgets as long as we come to Him with humble and contrite hearts. He will aid us in all our good endeavors and defend us from all our enemies. He will always be with us and because of this eternal Truth, we should never be afraid.

Are we joyful people, exulting God for all the good He has done for us? If not, then how might we cultivate a joyous spirit? Do we realize God is always with us and we have nothing to fear?

O Lord, we are glad to have you as our Heavenly Father and exult you with all our hearts.

Amen.