The other day I got a Christmas Card which read, “Wishing you JOY and happiness”. This third weekend of Advent is often called “joy”, and a pink candle is lit on the Wreath. But where is Joy? Certainly not on MSNBC or other news-stations. Not in the rough-and-tumble of shopping at the Maul. Not on the Echo, where a search for Christmas music yields “All I want for Christmas is You”. Readings to be unveiled this weekend remind us of the anticipated Messiah, who will save us from the chains of the System. Dare we anticipate this Good News?
Well, who reads ZEPHANIAH? But this pre-Exilic Prophet begins by telling it as it is, then telling us how it will be (3:14-20)! God does exalt those who suffer by coming to us to show us how it’s done. God speaks, “I will deal with…I will save…I will change their shame…I will bring you home…” Prophets are the ones who hear the voice of God when no one else seems to. “Do not fear” anticipates the angelic promise to the shepherds…and other places where holiness is revealed. Will God really interrupt our cynicism with a message of Joy?
In PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7, Paul gives them/us an almost impossible goal: “Rejoice in the Lord always…” What? Do you know what my day was like? Even though our circumstances are pitiable, still we are told not to worry about anything. The result is that “the peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ.” Are you at peace, this Christmas? Why not?
LUKE 3:7-18 remembers the message of John the Baptizer, in the wilderness of the muddy Jordan, away from the urban lights and distractions. He reminds the crowds that they need to open their eyes to the injustice/suffering around them: the indigent need the clothes of the well-appointed; the tax-burdened need the administrators to be honest; the falsely- accused need a fair hearing. God intends to make all things right–yet the People are urged to be part of the process. The whole thing is a matter of Turning it Around, repentance, doing Good where Evil has risen.
And so the Season of Joy comes yet again! As I write, there’s rain outside my window, and I’ve yet to hear Silver Bells. I desperately need to hear a message of Joy. In my depression, I’ve found Joy in the Church, in the warm friendships and in the holy message of one who was, one who is, one who ever more shall be. I wish you JOY…
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Biblical texts to be read on the upcoming weekend come to stir our thinking every Tuesday; at horacebrownking.com
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