An Advent message from the prophet Zephaniah“Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! . . .At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.” Zep 3:14, 20 NRSV
“Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!”
Twenty voices sang to the little guest of honor enthroned in her highchair. Anna Kate, celebrating her second birthday, celebrated her first in a very different place. Back then, she lay in a Russian orphanage awaiting her turn for nourishment and a little nurture as well.
“Happy Birthday Anna Kay-ate! Happy Birthday to you!”
Anna Kate beamed, looking around at all the people gathered just for her. Her adoring parents and two older brothers hovered close by while all four of her grandparents looked on, their eyes shining with the emotion of the moment. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who had become family completed the circle, everyone delighted by the gift of this precious girl. Anna Kate took it all in, looking from face to face. Then, a look of wonder filled her eyes and her face shone with inexplicable joy as she said just one word, “Happy.”
And in that moment, I beheld joy in the shape of a little girl. I got a snapshot, just a glimpse, of what it must have been like to see the face of Christ.
Christ had a second birthday too, you know. When Jesus was two years old and toddling about, do you think humanity realized the treasure in its midst? Of course, Mary did, and Joseph. And surely other family members recognized that this baby was indeed extraordinary. But there must have been those who missed their chance to cradle joy incarnate in their arms. There must’ve been.
This advent season, we are called to embrace the coming of Christ. Don’t miss your chance. Celebrate the joy of Christ today.
“Jesus, let us glimpse this day, joy incarnate. In the midst of our 21st century frenzy, slow us down that we might recognize your face, thereby experiencing the wonder of Advent.”