I was raised in one of the Protestant traditions that did not focus on Advent much.  Sunday services in December often included many of the Old Testament readings, and the birth of Christ was certainly recognized as a fulfillment of promises and prophecies.  Many of the themes of Advent were present in worship.  However, there was no Advent wreath with candles representing Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, nor was there a distinction between the season of preparation and the season of celebration.  In short, my awareness and appreciation of the Advent season did not come until I married someone with an Advent tradition.  I enjoy, intellectually and especially spiritually, using this time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The recurring question, often voiced in homilies, sermons, Bible studies and so on, is:  How do we make ready our hearts in a world filled with violence and chaos?  How can we fix the many problems screaming for solutions?  It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and depressed by the world around us, even more so when many of us are suffering personal stress, pain and grief.  Our first reading, from Isaiah, offers some words of consolation.  Written to God’s people at a time of desolation, God promises restoration.  “I will help you, says the Lord; your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.”  “I, the God of Israel, will not forsake” the afflicted and the needy; and in meeting their needs, will do miraculous things.

That centuries-old message resonates today.  God is still merciful, good, mighty and miraculous.  God still cares for you, individually, and for the world He made.  As we make ready our hearts, I offer a prayer that draws from today’s Alleluia verse and from my favorite Christmas song.*

Lord, let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.  Bring your peace into our violence, bid our hungry souls be filled.  Wrap our injured flesh around You.  Heal us and save us.  Amen.

* In case you are interested, the song is “Welcome to Our World,” by Chris Rice.