This week we’re featuring a song by Urban Doxology, “The Earth Shall Know,” as a part of our Advent reflection. Click here, enter your name and email to download.
Isaiah 65:17-18
See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create,
for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.
We all have moments of discontentedness, suddenly all that we have isn’t quite enough. The world has taught us that our jobs, family, relationships, or treasures will never be enough. By the standards of our culture, true happiness will always be just out of reach. Joy, on the other hand, is not circumstantial; it is an emotion that moves beyond our understanding, sitting much deeper in our being.
This has been a year of losses for many people. And this Christmas season may be harder than ever. Yet we can find freedom in the realization that all of creation resounds about a joy that is abiding. Advent rings with expectant joy in the fulfillment of a promise, the hope of a nation, and the light in a world of darkness that transcends a year of loss or a year of plenty.
As we remember the abiding joy of Jesus, let us rejoice together. Out of our joy, let us give generously, mindful of the many among us who live in circumstances that would have them standing in despair instead of joy. Consider making a donation to CCDA today, as we support the work of our many practitioners and partners who are committed to cultivating hope, peace, and joy in our communities.
May we go into this third week of advent knowing that whether we lie in wait or wanting, in abundance or in blessing, in feast or famine – there is a great joy. A joy without condition, beyond circumstance or situation. And it is with such joy that we can celebrate this season of anticipation.
Living God, with Elizabeth we cry out in wonder:
How can this be, that the Lord has come to us?
Fill us with the life of the Holy Spirit
so that we may greet your gracious promise
with hearts that leap for joy;
through Jesus Christ, your Word fulfilled.
Amen.
