Today is the third Sunday in Advent, themed JOY. Join us today as we explore the meaning behind this word, joy. Joy is not a state of disembodied utopia in which there is no tension or problem. Joy is however a deep abiding sense that there is hope coming. In today’s text out of Luke chapter 3, John the Baptist answers the question, “what must we do?” with what appears to be the way to joy. For John, joy is found in giving. Joy is found in a posture that looks out from self, not inward — to live a life of service to the other is where we find joy. May this season of Christmas help us to orient ourselves around the person of Jesus, who gave all to humanity for the sake of salvation. And THAT brings joy.