Joy is often a companion to many other emotions. We can feel joy in addition to feeling many other things at once: grief, anticipation, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, exhaustion. Perhaps many of us live with the myth that joy is not something we deserve—or that it is wholly out of reach. But our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to feel joy—fully. The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. Our joy is better when it is shared. This theme of course alludes to a line in the familiar Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night,”3 which has an interesting history. The song was originally written by a French poet who was atheist, and the music was supplied by a Jewish composer. The hymn was later translated into English by an American Unitarian minister. In the 1800s, it became a popular hymn for Christian abolitionists due to its justice-focused language in verse 3.4 Like Mary’s song, the hymn reminds us that justice and joy belong together. Sometimes our joy is an act of resistance. And so, this Advent, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy. We will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world. We will welcome joy—even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice.
Our friends at A Sanctified Art have provided a special e-reader version of this year’s Advent devotional, which you can access on your computer and mobile devices:
Click here:
Our friends at A Sanctified Art have provided a special e-reader version of this year’s Advent devotional, which you can access on your computer and mobile devices:
Click here:
"Agents of Providence", Rev. Doyle's podcast.
We begin a new series on June 11 - A Pause to Dream. We are exploring the idea that dreaming, even daydreaming, can be a spiritual practice that brings us closer to God.
Join us for worship!
21st Century Christianity Workshop, session #3
Workshop #2 January 22, 2023
Workshop #1: How We Believe January 15, 2023
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at 10:00am on Sundays.
Or come and worship live
at 11th & Garfield!
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About Us
Through the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus Christ, the New Visions Community changes lives. We believe God's Spirit is the Creative Spirit. |
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Our church offers a wide range of ministry opportunities. Whether you'd like to learn more, pray more, or serve more, we have a ministry for you. |
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New Visions United Methodist Church
1610 S 11th Street
Lincoln, NE 68502
402-474-5513
office@newvisionsumc.org
Worship - 10:00 am, Sundays
1610 S 11th Street
Lincoln, NE 68502
402-474-5513
office@newvisionsumc.org
Worship - 10:00 am, Sundays
Administrative Office
1610 S 11th Street Lincoln NE 68502 | 402-474-5513
1610 S 11th Street Lincoln NE 68502 | 402-474-5513
