Are You the One?

This week we join with John in asking the big Advent question, “Are you the one or should we wait for another?” What do we hear as we listen to Jesus’ response? A list of medical miracles? A call out of exile? A fresh way of seeing God at work in the world?  

After this tragic week, and in this year of growth in climate change despair, nationalism and corruption on a grand scale, what does it mean for us for Jesus to be “the one”? What are the signs that Jesus is the one? He promises so much – that the reign of Heaven has broken upon us. But in this world of injustice, idolatry, exploitation, scarcity, violence, worsening climate change events and hardening borders, it is sometimes difficult to see evidence that the reign of Heaven and the promised great transformation is truly underway. This Sunday, as we again pray – “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven” we affirm that Jesus is the one through whom God’s will is done. As we say it, even when we struggle to believe it, we are invited live out the will of God, the joy, peace, hope and love of God in the here and now, so that the great transformation might continue around us.

This week’s theme is joy. In the midst of busy Christmas preparations, and the world seemingly more fragile each day, where is Joy? What brings you joy? How does God bring joy into this world through you?

During this week I invite you to take time at the end of each day to give thanks for ways God has both brought joy into your day; and through you brought joy into the lives of others. I also invite you to reflect on what has led you away from joy.