|
By this time each year, the sounds have caught our attention. By the middle of Advent, the music we hear has caught up to the season. Broadcast media alter their programming to include Christmas music. Light-hearted mention of Santa Claus alerts us, and devout melodies give us pause. Something life-giving is afoot. At times we surprise ourselves and hum a few tunes. It is not a distraction. God’s Spirit knocks at our door.
The ancient Hebrew Psalms attest to music’s power. Psalm 63 declares that our souls thirst for God. Even the barest hint of God’s presence fills us up with joy. Psalm 98 makes the message plain: God has done marvelous things, and we burst into song in response. As we do, Psalm 103 confirms, God becomes vivid. It is the deep meaning of Advent. We are known as we are and we are loved as we are.
The message of John’s Gospel, chapter 5, embraces this theme: the life of Jesus built on the testimony to God of those who went before, notably John the Baptist. Jesus came to complete these works. Hopefully we are dazzled by what we see, by the love offered to us. Yet more is required of us. In 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, Paul emphasizes that we are called to give witness to the power of God’s salvation. Jesus’ birth becomes ours as well.
There are challenges. Paul speaks of the “mystery of lawlessness” that is at work. But Paul’s message should encourage and not alarm us. The “lawless one” will be revealed. Truth will triumph over the lies that accompany evil. We must not hesitate. We must delight in truth.
We return to the Psalms. God’s love breaks forth. Let us dare to sing a new song.
| 
