“Joy to the World,” a beloved Christmas classic, turns 300 this year. It is a powerful cosmic performance of all creation being renewed and freed. On this first Sunday of Advent we focus on HOPE as heard in the lyrics of the song “prepare Him room.” When we live with this anticipation, we open ourselves to a different perspective, which can bring a sense of hope in the midst of despair – allowing joy to creep in no matter what. salvation is near, says the scripture. When we wake up, we prepare room in our lives for new light, new insight, new hope to enter.