12/14/23

“How does a weary world rejoice,” was an advent question any of us could have suggested. How many times have you woken up thinking about the many things you have to do, the many ways you wonder if you can provide for the things your family needs whether it is hugs and smiles at the right moment or food on the table? How many days have you looked at the TV and realized that you have a TV and sigh with the realization that around the world people are stepping over piles of rubble and garbage looking for water or food, not a tv show?

We are weary with sorrow all around us. Why should any of us put on a happy face with all this, all this, here, there, yes, everywhere?

“Rejoice,” comes the angel message. “I bring you good news.” If only!

Have you allowed yourself to hear it? To see it? To be amazed that in the midst of this weary world’s calamities, there are actually things, and people that bring joy into our lives?

This Sunday we will consider allowing for joy in the midst of great sorrow is a spiritual practice the world needs from us. It is not false hope, nor pie-in-the-sky idealism. It is the only thing that can point to the places of life in the face of death. It is our way of bringing joy to the world.