Wishing You All The Joy Of The Season
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. — Luke 2:10
We talk a lot about hope here at Union Gospel Mission. Hope — the ability to envision and trust in an unseen future — is an essential ingredient when times are tough. But this year, I find myself reflecting on hope’s nextdoor neighbour: joy.
For a little word, joy has a big impact. It’s defined as the emotion that rises up out of well-being or good fortune, a state of happiness, or a source of delight. You can feel joy, and you can be a joy.
When I see UGM community members connecting with volunteers? There’s joy there. When someone in our community finds housing, employment, or a place in recovery? Deep, abundant joy. When the Oilers win in overtime? Pure joy.
This year, I am grateful for the ways you have shared joy with your neighbours. You have welcomed in people who are hungry, people who are tired and cold, people who are working to overcome poverty, homelessness, and addiction. Your giving has made a space for people to remember their inherent dignity, and take their next steps into wholeness and well-being.
As we enter the week of Christmas, it’s my prayer that you too experience the joy of the season. The good news — as declared by the angel in Luke — is that joy doesn’t require everything to be perfect. It is a wellspring that burbles up despite circumstances, defying hardship, in the strangest places. Places like, say, a manger.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and bright Christmas!
