The Joy of Advent

One of the privileges of being a pastor is walking along side of people in the happy times and terrifying ones; the frustrating circumstances and the ones where God’s blessing is obvious.

Often times I will pray a verse with people because it’s a prayer that circumvents circumstances.  In fact, it speaks of a peace not bound by our situation.  The verse is part of the Advent 4 readings this week and is found in Philippians 4:6-7.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, WITH THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is a very high calling; not for the faint of heart:

Do not be anxious about anything?  Really, God?  ANYTHING.  

I can think of more than one circumstance that I would give someone a ‘pass’ and see their situation as more than sufficient to be anxious.  

What about someone who has lost everything material in this world through financial hardship?  What about someone with a life threatening disease?  What about people who are at war in other countries? 

Anything? Anything. That is what God tells us in the Scriptures.

The verse goes on to say instead we should pray and make supplication instead of worrying. However, the key phrase is one I sometimes forget, even when I’m praying the verse myself. This key phrase is “with thanksgiving”. 

The beauty of this verse is that by mentioning “all circumstances”, Paul knows he is asking a lot.  He is setting a high bar.  The group of Christians he is writing to in Philippi have been persecuted and some have gone through unspeakable horrors.  What would they have to be thankful for when they have lost everything, perhaps been taken into custody and imprisoned.  Some among them have even been sentenced to death. Paul, himself would eventually be killed by Roman authorities for his faith.

The astonishing thing about the book of Philippians is that is it full of talk about “Joy”.  In the midst of suffering and persecution the Church is encouraged to be joyful. Paul himself says he is ‘joyful’ whenever he thinks of them despite the fact he is “in chains”. (Phil. 1:4, 7).  

Joy is the presence of peace and hope that doesn’t ebb and flow with changing circumstances.  Its foundation is a love relationship with the God of the universe who loved us enough to come and live among us.   

Advent reminds us of this journey of love God made to come and ‘dwell among us’.  His death, resurrection, and ascension, gives us the reason and power by which we can be joyful. 

We don’t know what tomorrow may bring.  The tranquil twinkling Christmas lights could be interrupted by any number of tragedies or circumstances that come to everyone who lives and loves.  Whatever happens, the story of God’s redemption remains.  Our foundation of joy and peace cannot, and will not, change.  

We always end our letters to you with the phrase “Blessings and Peace” in these emails.  To me this doesn’t mean we’re wishing you worldly blessing represented, this time of year, by gifts under the tree.  The closing of our email really means the blessing OF Peace, only possible through knowing God.  This Peace is fully embodied in Christ.  It’s the Peace announced at His coming, and declared by Jesus Himself at His resurrection. He is our Peace! 

So this Advent may the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”.  May we abide in Him with thanksgiving, so we can experience the peace and joy He freely gives us.

Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Todd and Dr. Christiane