We are approaching the third Sunday of Advent, the theme of which can often be JOY. Mary may be the focus of our attentions, as we reflect on her words, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour".
This Advent, I am reading 'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp. It is a book I am returning to, with its exploration of thanksgiving. The author gradually discovers that being intentional in giving thanks releases joy in her life. She finds ways of magnifying the Lord's goodness by taking notice of it, in the smallest of things. It is both a beautiful read and a challenging one. Joy can feel elusive, especially when life is busy and demanding.
I wonder - how many of us are already feeling the pressure of having too many things going on currently. From everything that usually happens in the life of a congregation to everything that usually happens within our families (near and far). I could give you a run down, by I suspect you're at the point of not wanting to see another list (or check it twice).
I was struck by reading these words yesterday, "We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing." Psalm 39:6 (New Living Translation).
But feeling guilty about hurrying and packing so much in won't really help with joy either.
Isaiah 35 is a wonderful passage of scripture where joy bursts forth in a place left dry, burned out and desolate. God comes and His glory is experienced. A path is made to allow people to return to God. And joy and gladness overtake them, causing sorrow and sighing to dissipate. It is a picture of what God does in transforming humanity.
Therefore, whether or not our Advents are unfolding as we would like, we can know that God does draw near and He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. We can choose to slow down, to pay attention and to give thanks. But if that feels like a stretch at the moment, we can trust that God's joy and gladness can come in the most unexpected of places.
Rev Stella
