Advent III: Joy

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

This week, we observe the Advent of Joy.

Below, you’ll find one scripture, one poem, and a blessing. I don’t offer much commentary but invite you to ponder them each throughout your week.

The scripture comes from Isaiah. It’s a classic of the advent season, one of many passages from the prophets that point towards Jesus’ birth. This specific passage tells us of the joy that shall come when this child is born – for us!

The poem is an arrangement from Jo Acharya. Jo is a christian author and musician who maintains a blog called ‘Valley of Springs.’ She arranged this particular poem in late December of 2021 in the midst of the Covid Pandemic. I hope you find comfort and joy in her words.

I hope the pairing brings you comfort and joy this advent season.

Isaiah 9:2-3, 6 – Light! Sunbursts of Light!

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light.

For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—

light! sunbursts of light!

You repopulated the nation,

you expanded its joy.

Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!

Festival joy!

The joy of a great celebration,

sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

For a child has been born—for us!

the gift of a son—for us!

He’ll take over

the running of the world.

His names will be: Amazing Counselor,

Strong God,

Eternal Father,

Prince of Peace.

His ruling authority will grow,

and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.

Comfort and Joy

Arranged by Jo Acharya, using lyrics from 20 Christmas Songs and Carols

So this is Christmas.

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

To be of good cheer!

But I’ve seen through the sparkle

and it’s harder this year

to face unafraid the plans that I’ve made;

to hope that next year

all our troubles will be miles away.

These festive songs ring hollow

when all I want for Christmas is to be with you –

like in the olden days, happy golden days

of Before.

But the carols – Oh! The carols –

remind me that a silent night

can be a holy night.

And in these dark streets shineth an everlasting light.

Because 2000 years ago,

in the little town of Bethlehem,

Love

came down to earth from heaven.

Broke in! Was born

as a babe, the son of Mary.

And they sang –

choirs of angels!

With a thrill of hope

the weary world awoke

and gladly received tidings of comfort and joy.

Comfort

and joy.

Do you know that this baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Son of God, love’s pure light;

God as man with man to dwell –

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel has come to us

sorrowing.

sighing.

bleeding.

dying.

And risen with healing in his wings.

So today,

though mighty dread has once again

seized my troubled mind,

be near me, Lord Jesus. I ask you to stay

through the hopes and fears of all my years,

through every bleak midwinter,

’til my eyes at last shall see you

face

to face.

Come now, let us adore him:

Christ, our Lord.

A Blessing for Your Advent of Joy

Child of God,

If Christmas Cheer comes easily for you,

And every song fills your heart with joy,

May your spirits stay high,

And may your joy be infectious

But if the Holiday lights have lost their sparkle,

And the Holiday Cheer is harder to find,

May the Light of God dawn on you, dear child,

As it did so long ago,

With promises of healing and wholeness.

And may the mysterious bundle of Joy you find this Christmas

Be the love of God in the form of a baby,

Hungry, Crying, Needy, yet Holy

Bringing you tidings of comfort and joy –

Comfort

And joy.

Amen.