Why rejoicing?

Gaudete!

Rejoice!

The third Sunday of Advent is a day to rejoice that the Son of God is both imminent and immanent. 

While it's really hard these days to be hopeful about the impending future of our country and even of the world itself, today --TODAY-- we can find love and hope and peace. It's waiting right there at our fingertips. And, if we embrace fully what we say we believe (those of us in the Christian tradition, anyhow), then there is reason to cling to hope as well. The nativity scene tells us that God took on human form, and our faith tells us that he is with us, has always been with us, and will continue to be, as we look ahead. 

It's hard to keep hope alive, in the face of all the hard and hurtful things that have happened and will likely happen-- that's the human failing-circle that we are, unfortunately, caught up in. But then, look at that beautiful moon! The tiniest kitten. The face of a child waiting expectantly for a hug, and who will return that hug in full measure. The smell of freshly baked bread or the first cup of really good coffee. 

I am not looking for astounding events to happen for my hope. That's facile, at best. And I think, too, that expecting a blaze of glory in the sky distracts us from the beauty that is walking beside us or growing by the wayside. We have each other, and that is fertile ground for hope to grow in. I'm pretty sure that's what God's plan is, anyhow. Love each other, show care and concern, and the rest will just have to fall into place.

Happy Sunday,

C