Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, which is known as the Sunday of "Joy". From our Advent service today in church:
"Our joy is in God and in His son Jesus Christ. Like peace, joy is a gift from God. It overtakes us and fills us when we remember what God has done and what He has promised to do.
We light this candle today to remind us that Christ came, and is coming, so that all people might have a rich and abundant life. We thank God for the hope He gives us, for the peace He bestows, and for the joy He pours into our hearts."
Let us pray: "O God of Joy, Emmanuel, send Your light into our hearts at this time. Help us to be ready for the time of Christ's appearing. Fix our hearts and our minds upon those things You have done and those You have promised to do that we may have the joy You have promised. As we worship You, strengthen us so that we may always do Your will and so bless You and the world You have made. Amen.
Then we sang this little chorus to the tune of "Away In The Manger":
"A candle is burning, a candle of joy. A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy.
Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow."
For those of you who have been a part of "blogland" for a while, many of you will know our dear friend Toni Taddeo, from her blog "Treasures by Toni". We were very saddened to learn that Toni passed on to her heavenly home this weekend. But she left us with a wonderful legacy to follow. Toni's "treasures" were many poems written from her heart, and many positive, inspiring, and encouraging words shared with us both in her blog and on Facebook. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We know Toni loved the Lord and was looking forward to being with Him. Here is her last post written on Facebook on 12/13/19, just one day before she took that "walk home" with the Lord:
What's It Like?
"What's it like you ask me about the new changes in my life?
I answer it's hard to explain as my mind still sees no difference
My body is broken and the pain tends to take over at times
But I'm a person with a strong mind and beliefs and resilience
I can cope and accept what life has thrown my very way
For I am blessed with a love so great from my family
Most of all My Lord who walks by my side and holds my hand
Each step of the way and will walk me home personally."
Toni Taddeo 12-13-2019
R.I.P., Toni Taddeo.
