In this third week of the Advent series, Laura and Rebecca dive into the theme of joy, not as fleeting happiness, but as a deep, sustaining posture of the heart. They reflect on how joy can coexist with sorrow, stress, and fatigue, and how it’s often found not in perfection, but in presence. Through personal stories, theological insights, and the Advent Guide, they invite leaders to explore what true joy looks like, especially during a busy, overwhelming season. This episode is a gentle yet powerful reminder: joy is available even in the in-between.

Quotes

• "Joy is not toxic positivity. It doesn’t ignore the pain—it stands with it and still proclaims hope." — Laura Howe
• "Joy is a posture of your heart, not the result of your circumstances." — Rebecca Bailey
• "If we don’t take time to reflect, we lose sight of God’s faithfulness, like spiritual object permanence." — Rebecca Bailey
• "Even in burnout and fatigue, joy can be recalled—it becomes a marker of God’s sustaining presence." — Laura Howe
• "Sharing our joy with others is worship. It builds connection and reminds us that God is good, even here." — Rebecca Bailey

Resources

• Advent Guide
• Care Ministry Cohort

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