Third Week of Advent -Joy

Luke 2:14
 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Hebrews 12:2-3 
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

A prayer of Thanksgiving for the Joy of the Cross

Holy Father,

     We thank you for the Joy we experience at Christmas; the joy in giving and receiving, of Christmas present and the most Holy Christmas past.
     In these verses we read about the gift of Jesus to us on the night of His birth and we read about His death and suffering on the Cross. It is through the Cross that we received the undeserved gift of Grace, that we received the Holy Spirit, and through the Cross that You, Lord, receive us. Jesus endured the Cross, at Your will, knowing the joy set before Him. It is through the Cross that Jesus sits at Your right hand. And it is through the cross that we have an example of the Joy set before us, that is our hope in glory. It is through the Cross that You removed every barrier for all those who believe.

We praise you and thank you, in Jesus name.

Amen