Third Sunday of Advent 2024 - Joy of Wonder

One ordinary afternoon, as I approach the school playground, she turns and sees me. Wearing a big smile, she begins to run towards me, bounding with the simple joy a four year old finds in the moment. Nearing the sidewalk where I wait, she stops suddenly, bends down, and picks a yellow dandelion. Beyond excited with her unexpected find, she stands and runs to greet me. “I picked this just for you,” she says with such innocent delight, as if that weed is a yellow, thornless Gold Medal rose. “Thank you,” I reply as I kneel down to give her a long hug. “Isn’t it beautiful,” she says admiring it with eyes full of wonder and possibility. On that playground, in that moment, a yellow dandelion transforms into a remarkable gift of great joy. In this unanticipated joy, my heart is forever marked by the simplicity of a child’s hope and love and peace.

A baby enters a world full of chaos as love tenderly welcomes; a new day, a new way is born. Likely noble and influential but certainly Gentile, Magi travel from the East, following a star with great joy, searching for the Messiah, and bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, treasures for a King, a Priest, a Savior. When they find Him, they fall to the ground and worship Him. No one knows if these gift-bearers are philosophers, astrologers or perhaps even kings or how far or long they have traveled. These seeking Magi are filled with wonder as they repeat the prophecy of old, only to discover a remarkable gift of great Joy. This holy child will become known as the Messiah, a name spoken by prophets, a Baby announced by angels, the Son affirmed by God, a Teacher nourished by the Spirit, a Savior crucified by sin, a Redeemer resurrected by Grace, a King returning by Promise. Humanity is forever marked by the joy of Eternal Hope, the joy of Perfect Love, the joy of Everlasting Peace. -dho

Oh, the wonder of it all… just to think that God loves me. [George Beverly Shea]

*Scripture: Matthew 2:1-13

 

Second Sunday of Advent 2024 - Peace of Wonder

The night sky dances with sparkling lights, vast and full of possibility. A navigator in the Air Force during WW2, my daddy knows the geography of the heavens. On a clear night we slip outside to look up at the night sky, and he points out various constellations and planets. Two stars on the Big Dipper’s bowl form an imaginary line to the North Star, the tip of the handle of the Little Dipper. Sitting on the car’s hood, we lie back on the windshield to get the best view. Without big city lights to diminish the splendor, the whole sky boasts its best shine but with a quiet majesty. The hushed tone of the night sighs in harmony with its glory. Known and unknown galaxies far beyond fill me with wonder while greatness and goodness embrace me. Peace is born in me!

A quiet night on a hillside away from the city shepherds watch over their sheep. Suddenly an angel appears, illuminating the darkness, and God’s glory shines all around them. The shepherds feel overwhelmed. The angel says not to worry but know that this celestial announcement brings good news and great joy. A baby has been born in Bethlehem who is Christ the Lord, and you will find him lying in a manger. Suddenly, the whole sky explodes with a heavenly choir of angels singing songs of praise and joy. When the stillness of the evening returns, there is a beauty and splendor in the night sky, like leftover glory. The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem to find the child. As they stand before the baby, there is a whispered holiness of knowing and not fully understanding filling them with wonder while greatness and goodness embrace them. Truly, peace is born on earth this night! -dho

Oh, the wonder of it all… just to think that God loves me. [George Beverly Shea]

* Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 

First Sunday of Advent 2024 - Hope of Wonder

Wearing silver fairy wings and Irish-green pajamas covered with shamrocks, she moves freely to the music. In the background, Pandora plays instrumental tunes suited for creative movement and ballet moves. Unencumbered by anyone around her, she dances with sways and bends, arabesques and pirouettes. There is an innocence and vulnerability in her rhythmic moves, a freedom in these solitary expressions. Only five, she is a beginner with unrefined movements; yet, her pure heart so loves and feels the variations of the music. Simple, uninhibited joy expresses something far more beautiful, more full of wonder than words.

On a seemingly random afternoon, a young girl, Mary, encounters a holy messenger, an angel who tells her she is “favored by God” and will give birth to “the holy child” who will be the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. Unexpected and probably confused, Mary demonstrates a vulnerability in her unmatched experience. With a trusting spirit, Mary’s prayer, known as The Magnificat, invites us into her heart. She delights in God’s promises and provisions for her people through the generations. Called “the first prayer in the Gospel story” Mary praises and thanks God. Unencumbered by her culture, Mary’s pure heart reveals an extraordinary love and willingness to be God’s servant. Simple, uninhibited joy expresses something far more beautiful, more full of wonder than words. -dho

Oh, the wonder of it all… just to think that God loves me. [George Beverly Shea]

*Scripture: Luke 1:26-56