Dec. 22, 2002
Joy to the World
Shopping for my friends who are clergy is sometimes
a difficult task, that is until I found out about Balmy Clergy Supply,
who offer gift suggestions. For example, I could buy them an Early Exit Alarm, the ad say, “Tired of all those people leaving church before
the end of the service? A simple laser projector at each door sends out
a piercing alarm each time the beam is broken. This splendid device
will encourage church members to remain dutifully seated until
dismissed.” Or the Stay Lit Altar Candles, “Provides
hours of fun as your pastor watches the ushers or acolytes attempt to
extinguish these candles in vain.” Or
how about the Robot Pastor, “which can be used by churches as temporary
replacements for vacationing or ill pastors. The Robot Pastor is
programmed to deliver any of 487 sermons, and can scan the congregation
and zap with a mild electric shock anyone who falls asleep or fails to
put anything in the offering plates. The Robot Pastor is also
programmed to identify heretics and church members who have fallen
behind on their pledges and to sound a full-scale trumpet blast when
one is identified.”
As we wind down to the last few days before
Christmas, we may get caught up worrying about just the right present
to give our loved ones. On this Sunday, we remind ourselves in the
midst of the hustle and bustle, to be sure to celebrate the gift of
Jesus Christ. Joy to the World for the Lord has come! This is not just
a Christmas carol, it is a proclamation of
faith for every day of the year. Isaac Watts
the composer of many hymns wrote Joy to the
World after studying Psalm 98, which states “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth;
make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praise.” His mission was to make church music more meaningful to
the common parishioner, he continued to ask questions like, why anyone
should be satisfied with the way things were when they could be so much
better.
Joy is an important part of our daily walk with
Jesus. I used to object to the Christmas decorations going up so early,
now a days right after Halloween. But this year, I was aware of all the
sadness in the world, with the talk of war with Iraq, with the memories
of September 11, of the losses of those who we honored here today, I
needed to connect to the joy of Jesus. I needed to remind myself of the
joy of God. So I welcomed, as one author wrote, “Even though the celebration of Christmas is exploited
for business profit and used for selfish purposes; even though the
meaning of Christmas is often corrupted; in spite all this, we all feel
the impulse at this time to think of others, to show love to others, to
be there for others. This itself shows what the joy of anticipation is.
It is the feeling of human solidarity, the exulting joy in one another,
the certainty of mutual love. The brightness and fragrance of the
living Christmas tree under which Christmas gifts are laid -- here is
light and warmth, symbolizing life and love.” (Watch for the Light, Plough Publishing)
As Christians we are not exempt from the sadness of
life, the grief that accompanies loss of a loved one, the anxiety of
waiting for the results of a biopsy. We do concern ourselves with one
another’s concerns, and look out for the outcasts of society,
those who so desperately need a word of hope -- the homeless, the
jobless, the sick, the mentally ill. So the joy we feel is rooted in a
gift we know can bring resurrection, and healing, and hope. We can feel
joy even in the midst of suffering because God is there, making room in
our hearts for a message from his heart. God sends wise men and women
to those we care about to bring them gifts for whatever their
heart’s desire, so joy can be born anew in their lives. God sends
angels to calm our fears, and teach us to be peacemakers and justice
seekers. God sends all of creation, the birds of the air, the beasts of
the ground, to remind us of the great power that is at work each and
every day.
Speaking of angels, our preschool Christmas program
was this past week, and the kindergarteners dressed up as angels and
recited the words of the angels in the Gospel according to Luke, “ Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you good news
of a great joy which will come to all the people, for to you is
born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the
Lord.” My heart was filled with joy as
I watched these young cherubs and saw their excitement. If we ever lose
the joy of Christmas, you can find it in the smiles of children.
So, how can we keep joy in our hearts all year
round? There are some simple routines that can help. First, to pray for joy! Sometimes we
are so wrapped up with the business of life, and the busyness of life,
that we forget to ask for joy! As John of the Cross said way back in
1591 A.D. “The soul of one who serves
God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the
mood for singing.” Second, share with others your joy.
Joy is contagious. Write to someone who you have not been in contact
with but you have fond memories of. Just recently I received an e-mail
from a college classmate of mine, who lives in Kentucky. She and I were
student associates together, and very good friends. We even used to
hold hands during worship in support of one another! Third, take time just to let yourself take
in the marvelous beauty of God’s creation. This past week we have
had everything from warm balmy breezes to hail! The rain has come in
torrents and has played havoc with our communities. Yet there was also
beautiful snowcapped mountain views, fresh air, and the soothing sound
of rain.
Another habit to get into is to follow the advice
of Teresa of Avila who said to “Find
joy in everything that leads to God.” Mary was afraid at first when the angel arrived, but then she
was assured that all that is about to happen is blessed by God and not
only her life, but the life of the world was about to change. This week
in Bible study, we are reading about the beginning of the Kings who
ruled the holy land. Saul, David, and Solomon ruled for 70 years.
Compared to the number of Presidents that have served in the last 70
years, this seems like a lot of years. But Jesus has ruled for over
2000 years, and his joy will endure forever! Richard Wagner puts it
this way, “He who gives joy to the
world is raised higher among men than he who conquers the
world.”
So what will I receive as presents this year? I do
not know, but I hope I don’t get one of the items from the Balmy
Clergy Supply, especially the Inflatable
Congregation, which according to the
catalog, “The invention of the
Century! This device is absolutely perfect for the small church. Make
those pews look full! One quick twist of the air valve on our patented
‘pneuma tank’ and presto, you have a pew full of exciting
looking people. And for preaching practice, what marvelous way to
finely hone that scintillating sermon by pretending you have a church
full of eager parishioners.” No,
I do not want that gift, but I would like the gift of authentic joy,
the joy that comes with believing in the words of the angels -- Be Not Afraid -- joy that
comes with sharing with each one of you the message of Christ, the joy
that comes from the heart of God. May we all experience this joy as we
celebrate the birth of God’s Son! Amen.
