Looking Forward to December 17, 2023 -- Advent 3B

This Sunday we will light the candle of Joy.

The Scripture Readings this week are:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
• Luke 1:26-55

The Sermon title is Expectant Joy

Early Thoughts: Where do you find joy in this Christmas season? Where do you find joy all year long so you can follow Paul's instruction to rejoice always? Can you give thanks in all circumstances?

Could Mary give thanks after the visit from Gabriel? Was she rejoicing? Or did it maybe take a moment or two for her to get to the joy?

I have always wondered if Luke missed a bit in his description of that discussion. Did Mary really meekly accept the news or did she argue a bit?  I sort of want to ask her, as Roger Whittaker asked, "How did it feel?" Certainly later in the story we find that Mary is a bit of a prophet, one who sees the truth of what is coming (which, as many people point out each year, makes the song Mary Did You Know sound a bit out of touch with a reading of Luke 1). I think that is where her joy comes from, the vision of what God is doing through her and her son.

The joy of Christmas is not about parties and carols and gifts. It is not about gathering with family and friends. The joy of Christmas is found in the message of angels -- and I would point out that often when angels show up they have to tell the listener to not be afraid. The joy of Christmas comes in the expectant waiting for a baby who will turn the world upside down. The joy of Christmas comes in the promise that God is active in the world -- even if that might be a bit terrifying.

And really, maybe that is the joy we should carry with us always as we follow Paul's injunction to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and even to give thanks in all things.  

Theologically speaking I don't think Joy is not about being happy. Joy comes from a deep place of trust and hope and confidence. I do think joy is expressed in many different ways. I do think there are times when the fear and anxiety overpower the feeling of joy. But I think that joy is always lurking in the background, even when it feels like an unwelcome guest.

We are expecting a great thing to happen. We are expecting a baby (as wonderful and terrifying as that may be). We are trusting that God is active and will be active in the world to change it, to cast the mighty from their thrones and send the rich away empty. 

Sounds like a reason for joy to me.
--Gord