The events of Friday still linger in our minds and hearts. The collective scar on our souls is still bleeding. Today we are invited to enter into Joy as we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath. It seems unthinkable to do so and yet, the promise to cling to is the last sentence in this quote. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty Saviour. This is not some far-away deity, busy with something else. God is here now. Heaven came down to us and remains with us. There is reason to rejoice.
The Zephaniah reading states it clearly: The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. Through the love of God we can be renewed. I hold fast to that promise in these days of recovering from the tragedy and moving on. I have been having some flashbacks to my weekend in DR Congo--of watching the army shoot at children who are throwing stones at them. My heart aches for the pain in this world. Yet as the Psalm sings today in Isaiah 12, Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid, I know that the Darkness will not win this time either. I will not give into the despair of my fears and sadness. I choose to stand, shout aloud and sing for joy.
Philippians 4 reassures us not to worry about anything. The peace of God is incomprehensible and it will guard our hearts, minds, and spirits in ways that are beyond our understanding. This peace will allow us to rejoice again.
Perhaps it is the Gospel of Luke 3 that holds the answer on how to do this, especially in light of world events. That peace begins within us. When John the Baptist is asked what should one do, his answer is simple. The message is to be kind, loving, gentle, just, fair, and honest. Give in your abundance to those who have none. Take only what belongs to you, no more. Do no harm to anyone, even when you have the power to do so. Be satisfied. Be content. These are simple rules for living. Yet can we do them? Can we do them with great love, these acts of small service? These are the daily events of our lives. These are what build bridges between people. These are the actions that can embrace the other instead of oppress them. These are the secret to a safer world much in need of healing. These are an effort to live without infringing on those around us. So simple, no?
By doing this, we might uphold the dignity of the other. We may spread joy. We may sow seeds of peace. The act of kindness might multiply. The wounded person might be surprised to discover they are not persecuted by everyone. The hurting person might pause and see a moment of goodness that might potentially turn the course of events.
I am an idealist. I am someone who dreams of hope, peace, joy, and love. I believe everyone has a place in our world. I trust that no act of kindness goes unwelcomed. I will sing joyfully, even with the residue of hatred and violence still stinging in the scars of humanity. I will exult with all my heart. I will believe in goodness. I will trust in God my Saviour. Shout for joy even while our heads are hung in shame. Decide that change happens with you and choose to live gently in great joy.
Peace,
Suzanne
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