DAY 22: JOY 4th Sunday in Advent #25WordAdventPrayers She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. — Matthew 1:21 Many years ago after a major event in my life, a friend gave me a gift of his watch. It was given not because I earned it, but because in his Native American tradition, this is what he was called to do in times of joy and celebration. That watch sits on my shelf reminding me that the greatest gifts are not given with expectations of reciprocity, not given as a reward, nor given because we earned it in some way. The greatest and most transformative gifts are given out of joyful affinity and love with the only expectation being that the gift is part of the recipient’s growth into who God intends and hopes for their life. This is the joy that comes with the gift of Christ. Let us receive it well. Rest in Power and Peace Rev. Buddy Monahan. God with us – When others rejoice let our joy be freely...