Awakening Joy

Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dear Friends in Christ -

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. This "refreshment Sunday," the Sunday when we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath.

Now is the time when we allow joy to stir in our hearts . . . but in the midst of tough times in our world, do we dare hope that the One we're waiting for can really save us?

John the Baptist himself wonders aloud in today's Gospel lesson (Matthew 11:2-11): "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" It's no wonder that he has doubts and needs encouragement; John's been mocked and hated and thrown in prison!

Jesus doesn't condemn John for having doubts, for not keeping a stiff upper lip. Jesus sends reassurance: "What you hope for IS happening; look and see! People are being healed, the poor are being helped, people are even rising from the dead!! What more evidence do you need that HOPE is here and SALVATION is on its way?!"

In the midst of our trials and tribulations, in the midst of these days when there is still not peace on earth, we have questions, too. But Jesus is coming and is now here. May the truth of the good things God is doing - in us, in our world - cause us, like John, to continue to believe. And as we trust in our good Lord, may joy awaken in our hearts, making room for the coming of our King. Amen.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

PS - A prayer to share, the Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.