Joyful waiting

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalms 16:11 NKJV)

This is the third week of Advent, my absolute favorite season in the Christian calendar.  A time of preparation for the coming of the Lord…Watchfully waiting, preparing my heart, and extending love and kindness to those outside of my normal circle of friends.  

Although the weather is often dark and dreary this time of year, as I reflect on the elements of Advent, the season of waiting by slowing down and shifting my awareness to what I am waiting for and how I am waiting for it, my distractions, darkness, and despair dissipate.   I am better able to resist the pressures of “cultural norms” and instead reflect on the central elements of our faith: the incarnation of God in the birth of Jesus, the final coming of Our King in glory, and also the ways that Jesus comes to me now, bringing light for those dark places, peace amidst my turmoil, hope for my places of despair.

Each week as I explore and ponder the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love through the lens of the Christmas narrative, I cannot help to see how Jesus’ coming changed everything and continues to transform me and the world around me even today.  Something begins to shift deep in my spirit from the winter “gloomies” to a deeper sense of Joy.  God’s incredible Love takes center stage in this season…I am reminded that it is not simply a time of remembrance but also a time of re-entry.  A time when we invited to re-enter the story of Gods coming, by remembering when He first entered our chaos and began His redemptive work in us preparing us to joyfully await His return.

Weekly throughout Advent, we light a candle representing one of four themes.  It is interesting to me that this week candle is pink, and is the only one infused with meaning… But what is the significance of this particular candle and this particular Sunday? It is the Sunday of joy and rejoicing, known as Gaudete Sunday from the Latin word for rejoice. Gaudete Sunday anticipates the joy of the Christmas celebrations and sustains our hope. It reminds us that Joy is only found in the Presence of God, Lover of our souls.  The pink or rose colour is a mixture of Advent purple and Christmas white. It also symbolizes the colour of early dawn, new life, new beginning, redemptive work of Christ. In lighting the candle, it gently reminding us of the “Joy drawing near”, or patiently waiting.  How is the Spirit inviting you to experience greater Joy this season?  I have a few things I have included for you to consider:

Themes for Reflection:

• Immanuel (God with Us): Matthew's Gospel, centers on the promise and reality of "Immanuel," God's presence with humanity. Reflection could involve considering how God's presence is felt in our life, both historically and currently.

• Watchfulness and Preparedness: Jesus's calls for watchfulness and preparedness are key in this season as seen in the parables of the vigilant homeowner. This involves living with constant readiness and expecting Christ to come at any moment.

• Hope and Justice:  Advent is a time of both looking back at Jesus's humble birth and looking forward to the future unfolding of God's kingdom. This involves bringing our burdens to God with hope and acting in ways that embody God's justice in the world.

• Love and Integrity: The season calls for an increase in love for God and for others. It also emphasizes living with integrity, a commitment to truth, and a different agenda than the world’s narrative and the things it says are important.

How to Reflect:

• Deepen Your Connection: Focus on cultivating a deeper, ongoing relationship with God.

• Acts of Love: Go beyond mere waiting by actively practicing love for your neighbors, family, and friends.

• Stand for Truth: Reflect on how you can embody honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in your daily life.

• Live in the Future Kingdom: Allow your present life to take the shape of God's future kingdom by living with hope and confidence in God's promises.

• Give Your Heart: As the poet Christina Rossetti wrote, "What can I give Him, poor as I am? ... give my heart." Advent is a time to offer one's whole self to God, including time, experiences, and spiritual gifts.

As I have engaged in a more intentional way, I recently discovered Antiphons through my “Lectio 365” App. As I have engaged with them, I find they are speaking to that deep longing in my soul and so I want to share them with you.

Antiphons are longings expressed as “O” prayers dating back to the seventh century, during the last week of Advent, December 17- 23.  They sum up all the longing for our Savior. They recall the Old Testament waiting for the Messiah, but they also reflect our waiting for His Second Coming at the Parousia. Throughout Advent, the readings and prayers focus on preparation for Christ's coming in history and in the future.  

Each of the seven ‘O’ Antiphons ends with a statement beginning with “come” in anticipation of Jesus Christ, our Messiah. In fact, my personal favorite Christmas hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is based on the December 23rds ‘O’ Antiphon, Emmanuel.  

Each antiphon is filled with rich theology and focuses on a different title revealed about Christ through the prophet Isaiah.  My encouragement to you is to incorporate this ancient tradition into your prayer life as you lift up expectant hope either through the list below or by simply following the morning sessions on the Lectio 365 App.

This is also my heart prayer for each of you this last week of the advent season. May you find the Joy of season in new and life changing ways.

Fondly, Melody

Here is a lovely rendition of Oh Come Emmanuel by Rich Dawson.