“A Shout of Joy and Grief” by The Rev. Stephanie Kendell

Friends, our gospel call is to live fully –
participate in life fully –
the good, the hard, the gross, the hopeful.
So, when you fall –
stay down as long as you need.
Get up by your own accord-
or with the help of others.
Shout into the world a message you need to let go of-
and one you need to hear.
That is what it is to live.
And the joy-the rin-naw-of this life-
especially this advent season,
isn’t to live a life without pain or suffering….
the joy- is the gift to be present to it all.