You probably remember the story of a little girl who attended Church, one Sunday, with her grandma. When she returned home, her parents asked her what the sermon was about. “Don’t be scared, here’s your blanket!”, she answered. Totally puzzled, they phoned grandma: “What did the minister preach about, today?” “Let’s see…. oh, yes, it was “Fear not; your Comforter is near!”
I love the Hebrew scriptures, especially at Advent! The first one to come at us this week is from Zephaniah: “The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more….do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak.” (3:15-16) Some will be hearing from Isaiah of Jerusalem: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid” (12:2) Here, in the dreary cellar of the year, post-election and pre-fiscal cliff, we need some words to dispel our fear.
As you may suppose, St. Paul has some words, as well: “The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything…” (Philippians 4:5-6) I inherited a worry-gene from my mother. A little sound-byte in my head keeps playing, “You’re not good enough. It’ll never work. Something will go wrong. They’re out to get ya.” If Jesus is near, what’s to worry?
The Gospel continues Luke’s narrative of John the Baptizer (3:7-18). “Bear fruits worthy of repentance,” he said, and then goes on to suggest what these fruits might look like. If you have enough coats and food, give some to someone who has none. Don’t charge more than a fair price. Don’t ruin someone through lies or blackmail or gossip, Be content with what you have. Don’t be scared!
For me, the Advent challenge of getting ready for Jesus involves letting go of being afraid. This is easier to say than to do! The Evangel reminds me that terrors by day and things that go bump in the night turn to dust and ashes in the Face of the ChristChild. May that which was and that which is to come bring us Peace.
Don’t be scared; here’s your blanket! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
God Bless Us,Every One….. H B King
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