December 15
Third Sunday of Advent
“Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.”
Readings
Reflection
As we have proceeded through the season of Advent, we have recognized the somber tones of waiting and anticipating the coming of Jesus in both aspects of his coming; first at Christmas and then at the end of the world. But this weekend, the whole tone changes from the aspect of patient waiting to one of unadulterated joy.
We hear it from the beginning of the first reading from Zephaniah, through the Psalm response, which is a reading from the prophet Isaiah, to the reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Philippians; we are told that we must rejoice! Even the gospel that comes from Luke takes on an enormously hopeful and joyful tone when John the Baptist tells everyone how to live a better life.
But even in the midst of the tone of joy that we can discern in the different readings, there is something even more joyful and optimistic; the idea that God might sing joyfully when he thinks about us. One line in the first reading puts it in dramatic terms.
Zephaniah says that the Lord “will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.” Because of you! Have you ever in your life imagined that God might be singing because of you? Have you ever let your image of God expand that far? Have you ever let God be one who sings you into existence, in the most profound sense of the word sing?
Yes, the season of Advent is all about pondering the meaning of the coming of Jesus as a baby at Christmas. Yes, he comes to a place where there is no room for him at the Inn. Yes, he has to be born in a stable with horses, cows and other creatures. But as the angel tells the shepherds in Luke 2: 10, “Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people,” we have been given something that can bring joy to even the most dour and negative people–we have been give the hope for eternal life with Jesus in heaven. Indeed, when God sings joyfully over you and me–there is no other response that we can manage other than joy. Amen, come Lord Jesus!
Peace,
Deacon Dare
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