Joy and Gladness

Advent Day 9

Second Monday in Advent

December 5, 2011

Reading: Isaiah 35:8–10 (NRSV)

⁸ A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. ⁹ No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. ¹⁰ And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Theme: Joy and Gladness

Reflection:

You know Lord, I really need to hear those words: “they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” This is a promise from God that has real traction for me. As a congregation we have said good-by to many treasured members, friends and family members this year. Many of us have experienced deep grief personally, or watched and waited with friends going through this cycle. It is only through deep trust in the Lord and strong faith in God’s promises that we can let grief and sorrow do their work, knowing that joy and gladness will ultimately follow.

The Advent season with its symbols of light and hope are a testimony to everlasting promises that God gives of joy and gladness. God does not promise that we will never experience grief and sorrow. God only promises that God will be here with us as we suffer, and God promises that joy and gladness will return. God promises the light of Christ to you.

In this Advent season, we look with joy to the birth of Christ. All of us love to celebrate the birth of the baby. With Mary, we gaze with amazement at her tiny baby, and wonder what life will bring for him. Of course, we don’t have to do much wondering, because unlike Mary, we know the end of his story. Even as we celebrate his birth, we know that this baby’s life on earth will end in sorrow.

However, just as certainly, we know that sorrow will not have the last word. The God who promises joy and gladness, also shows us this joy in the resurrection of his son. The God who brings the baby to earth with much joy, also raises him from the dead, accompanied by joy, gladness and much amazement.

God has shown us that death, grief and sorrow do not win. We have been baptized into Jesus’ death, but we have also been baptized into his new life. Joy and gladness will have the last word. May that everlasting joy permeate these Advent and Christmas seasons for you.

Prayer: God of joy and gladness, may your promises be our beacon in this Advent season. May we hear and trust in your words that promise joy and gladness, with sorrow and sighing fleeing away. Amen