Sunday Reflection: an Advent Classic

Today's reflection is brought to you by
Isaiah 12.

Shout aloud and sing for joy:
great in our midst are you,
O Holy One.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell, my God.

We just need to learn to see you in all of life,
to know that you are with us
no matter what.

Then even our sorrows can become joy!

+Amen.


Advent's deep longing and subdued joy has created some really beautiful art and music, and you'll find both in the video below. Veni, veni Emmanuel is a 13th century Latin hymn that we in Canada often sing in English this time of year. This is New Zealander Hayley Westenra's version, and you can bet I'll be looking for more music by her in the near future. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tId6ePj7Zpo

Advent Joy

The third Sunday of Advent's readings
lay it out clearly:

Imagine!
The wilderness and dry land are glad.
The desert rejoices and blossoms.
There is singing, and glory!
The weak are made strong.
The fearful receive courage.
The blind see beauty, life and goodness.
The deaf hear symphonies, laughter, and their loved ones.
The lame walk-- no, even better -- they leap like deer.
The mute speak -- and sing.
There is life-giving water where there was none.
Healing comes to all who are burdened with shame.
No one falls into the gutters.
Joy and gladness replace sadness and anger.
The dead are raised, and everyone dances.
The poor have good news brought to them.
And what we receive, we give to others.
If, as Anne Lamott says,
"Peace is joy at rest.
Joy is peace on its feet,"
then how can we help to make it so?
Imagine!
And go forth!