This Season of Advent
AM Psalm 80 • PM Psalm 146, 147
2 Samuel 7:18-29 • Gal. 3:1-14 • Luke 1:57-66
Almost thirty years ago I went to Barnhill Arena to hear the then prominent civil rights activist Jesse Jackson speak. Back then, he was considered an inspiring orator who could electrify a room. And that he did. He spoke to a crowd of a few thousand people that evening. I do not remember the specific content of that speech about social injustice, and its ramifications, but I have not forgotten the power of his words; the kind of power that propels people to stop and notice. The phrase that I will never forget (and for which he was and is known) were his words “Keep Hope Alive.” “Keep Hope Alive!” Keep Hope Alive!” Those words chanted with the power of conviction conveyed to me the importance of anticipation and looking forward; having faith in the possibility of a better world, a better self.
Advent is a season of hope, of anticipation, and a quiet, purposeful waiting. It is a time for light to shine into our darkness, to awaken us to the sheer joy of a very present God, and to kindle within us the faith to hope. I am filled with assurance that God wants all of us to keep our sights keened on the horizon.
Here we are nearing the ending of this year’s Advent season. We read today in Luke about the birth, circumcision, and naming of John the Baptist. Zechariah had lost all hope of having a child, so much so that he could not quite believe Gabriel’s announcement. Regardless of the power he must have felt in the presence of the Archangel, Zechariah wasn’t convinced. Gabriel made him mute in return for his doubt. I think his period of silence must have been fruitful, as he went on to name the child John, as Gabriel had instructed. It was a stark break with Jewish custom to give the child that name since it was not a family name at all. Zechariah got his voice back as soon as he confirmed “he is to be called John”; he began to praise God, singing a psalm of prophecy. The people attending were amazed and knew that this child must be quite special. Did they even imagine just how special…that John was the chosen one to prepare the way for the Messiah?
As we await the celebration of Christmas, the birth of the Messiah, it is my prayer that the Christ child will be born into the hearts of all people, shining a light into our darknesses and love into our world. May we all, always, keep hope alive. Amen.
Written by Deborah Griffin
...who loves the light and joy of Advent and Christmas.