How do you return to joy?

Humans are born looking for a face.

Attachment.

Joy.

Belonging.

Mirroring.

Imitation.

Nurture.

Growth.

Safety.

Life.

Love.

But along the way, 

pain, division, estrangement, temptation, accusation, self-protection, fear, hurt.

Where do you turn now when you are feeling weary, lonely, or burdened?

How do you return to Joy?

Jesus invites us.

He knocks.

He beckons.

He doesn’t force his way in.

“Come to me,

All you who are weary and heavy laden,

And I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you,

And learn from me.

For I am gentle and humble of heart,

And you will find rest for your souls.”

Returning to Jesus.

Returning to Joy.

In Jesus, the face of God comes to us.

The face of love, 

Not condemnation.

The face of forgiveness,

Not shame.

The face of mercy,

Not scorn.

The face of truth,

Not deception.

The face of abundance,

Not scarcity.

The face of delight,

Not disappointment.

Uniting our faces with Jesus is a form of death.

It’s looking at his face, not our own reflection.

Let the light of your face shine on us, God.

Dispel our darkness.

Return us to Joy.

Melt the chains of our bondage.

Guide us with each other into the land of freedom and shalom.