Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This
Sunday -a week before Christmas, scripture texts have us reflect on the choices
we make and how God contributes to decision-making processes.
We
heard a small portion of Isaiah’s recount of King Ahaz faced with decisions as to how he would secure his throne and
the kingdom of Judah; choices of military action, diplomatic envoy, or
something different. In his decision, Ahaz is also forced to consider ensuring
a space where the people can continue covenant living and freedom to worship
God. The prophet (Isaiah) continually speaks the word of God to Ahaz: have
faith, be patient, believe. Ahaz chooses to not be patient.
We heard from the Gospel of Matthew the lesser told
Christmas story (a story with no angels, shepherds, or stable). Instead, we hear
of a man named Joseph, faced with a decision of how to
address Mary his wife-to-be who is pregnant, and not with his child. His
choices: publicly shame, quietly dismiss, or do something different. While
pondering what to do, an angel appears in a dream suggesting he stay with Mary,
welcome the child, and name him Jesus.
We
will hear and sing, People, Look East, as our closing hymn. It was
written by Eleanor Farjeon, a beloved
and well-known children’s author. Her collection included more than 80 books, poems,
and nursey rhymes. She used her skills to offer many images to get across
complex ideas. She was loved by children as her works often mocked the behaviour
of self-righteous adults. She won many awards. But, on one occasion she made a decision – a
choice that shocked people- Eleanor refused to accept the prestigious British title,
Dame – saying that she “did not wish to become different from the milkman.”
We
will hear in a few minutes, Christina Techlemariam, make public confession of
her faith, choosing to take on the responsibility of baptismal vows made by her
parents when she was little.
There
is much that we hear this Sunday that has us reflect on the choices we make and
how God contributes to the decision-making process.
It
is worth reflecting on. How do you make choices and how does God contribute to
the decision-making process? It is the ‘God part’ that interests me the most.
King
Ahaz had God’s prophet. Joseph had God’s angel in a dream.
Eleanor
had an imagination, along with a library, theatre, opera, and conversation
circles in each. Did God speak through moments of wonder and in mediums of art?
Christina
has a family, confirmation classmates, and a whole community of faith. Does God
enter decision-making processes through these?
Advent
is a season of prophets and angels, wonder and mystery, hope and promise – a
call to humans to be patient and wait on the Lord, be silent and listen for
Emmanuel-God-with-us; and be ready! Prepared to be surprised where God enters life’s
decision-making processes. Family, community
of faith, scripture, imagination, music, books, art, conversation… How do you
know it is God?
How
do you know? Perhaps it is not about knowing, but, rather, being prepared, so
that you can confidently be open to hearing different options when making
decisions. In the examples heard this morning people have prepared by selecting
the who and whats around them; trusting in their council, even through
sometimes not following that council. Israel’s governance had court prophets to
bring God’s word, Joseph belonged to a tradition of faith that spoke to a rich
history of God in dreams, Eleanor grew up with artistic folk and group of intelligentsia,
Christina has a family and faith community.
Hand-in-hand
with preparing ourselves by surrounding oneself with good council, is seeking
God’s choices. The season of Advent lends itself to the contemplation to know
if council is God-council. When God enters decision-making processes the spirit
(the message) reflects the themes of Advent: hope, love, peace, joy. To be
prepared and open to hearing hope, love, peace, and joy is to allow God to
enter the decisions we make. Choices made then, become a reflection of one or
all of these - hope, love, peace, and joy.
I
read a comment by comedian Demetri Martin, who said: “I think that when you get
dressed in the morning, sometimes you’re really making a decision about your
behaviour for the day. Like if you put on flipflops, you’re saying: ‘Hope I
don’t get chased today.’ ‘Be nice to people in sneakers.’
Advent
advice on being ready! When you start each day, make a decision about your
behaviour for the day – how will you dress? What will you anticipate? For what,
will you prepare?
The
idea is to articulate and focus one’s intentions for the day.
My
personal mission statement is that I live each day, to be a courageous and passionate
expression of God’s grace. This intention affects how I participate in the
world, the choices and decisions I make, to what I am open to, to what I
anticipate, to how I hear, see, feel God-with-us.
As
Advent draws to a close, continue to carry with you and practice the themes of
the season.
As
you dress for your day – make a decision about your behaviour for the day and
dress accordingly.
Begin
by stepping into a prayer, or a good-morning God; embrace yourself in a hug; a
remembrance of baptism as you wash your face. Dress by setting a smile on the
face, …set your ears to listen for God-with-us…ready to receive the themes of Advent.
And
be prepared, in turn, to be a participant in God’s part of decision-making
processes.
Dress
with hope, ready to love, share peace, and express joy.
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