Greetings Mt. Vernon Family,

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Paul writes the Letter to the Philippians from jail, yet one can sense his joy in the tone of this letter. Paul says the word joy or rejoice 14 times in the letter. True joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Joy does not depend on our situations or circumstances. Joy is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. So, we can have joy in the midst of our struggles. We can be sick and have joy. We can be grieved, unemployed, separated, divorce, homeless, poor, incarcerated, but still have joy. Most often happiness is based on our situation or circumstances. But joy is rooted in a relationship with a Savior who will never leave you or forsake you. On this third Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of joy. Let us celebrate that Jesus came to a manger in Bethlehem and that He is coming back again. Mt. Vernon let us celebrate all God has done for us over 156 years. Let us praise Him for the gift of one another!

Amen!

Pastor Deborah Giles