Week 13 Joy 15/12/24

This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday and it means ‘Rejoice’. Joy is more than just happiness; it’s a deep and lasting feeling that comes from knowing God and living in his love. It helps us to see the good in everything, even when things are tough. Joy is found in prayer, in serving others, and in our journey through Advent. It’s a choice to trust in God’s plan for our lives and to find hope in his promises.

Day 1 – Head

On the first day of our prayer we will be reflecting on The Word of God to help us to understand our theme – Joy

We begin our prayer this morning with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Our scripture this week comes from the song of joy that Mary sang when meeting her cousin Elizabeth. This passage from scripture if full of joyful news.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke

R./Glory to you O Lord.

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be^[a] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God

We are called to bring Joy to the world and be bearers of Good news. Have a discussion about what brings you Joy, especially in a world that is so filled with nagativity at the moment.

If you want to have a moment to reflect, or even just to sit with your eyes closed and think about the scripture and this weeks theme, this incredible setting of Mary’s song might help you to reflect.

Lord, help us to find Joy in our lives and bring joy to others. Amen

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Day 2 – Heart

On the second day of the week we focus on our hearts. How can the scripture that we looked at yesterday impact our lives, and the lives of others? What themes can we draw from the scripture?

We begin our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Sometimes we need to make space in our hearts for the Joy of Advent. We need to take a pause. We spend so much time rushing around that we sometimes miss the opportunity to take a pause and remember what Christmas is all about.

Think about the things that bring you real joy in your heart this week and maybe share these as a form or in the comments box below.

We end our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Day 3 – Hands

On the final day of the week we try to put into action the things we have learnt and reflected on previously in the week, hence the hands link!

We begin our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Today we want you to spread a message of Joy. There are a few ways you could do this.

Get some small bits of paper as a form and write something that will cheer someone up and make them feel good today. Deliver it by the end of the day and share your joy!
Write in your notebooks/planners a message that you can message someone what you get home. This could be someone outside of school or far away – how can you bring them joy with a message or even a video?
As a form, decide on some some members of your community who maybe don’t get enough recognition for what they do – site team, technicians, office staff, TA’s etc. Write a message as a form, telling them what you love and appreciate about them, and deliver it today!

If you need some joyful music to help get you in the mood then you can use this: