By: Rev. Gerald D. Adams
While doing my shopping prior to Halloween, I was set back somewhat because before we could celebrate ghosts and ghouls, greenery and lights were in adjacent aisles. I could hardly believe it. Then, before we could have our national day of Thanks, there was already talk of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Wow! I said to myself “much ado.”
Along came the first Sunday in Advent which signaled the celebration of the coming of the hope for the ages. I had my aha moment! Rather than a Shakespearean comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, I was really in the midst of the celebration, Much Ado About Something. The virgin did conceive and bring forth a son and called his name Emmanuel, translated, God With Us. This was reason for the Ado. God is now with us. Amid the hustle and bustle, we would do well to remember the real reason for our much ado.
Now this second Sunday in Advent speaks to us of peace. In the gospel of Luke, the birth narrative contains: There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. (Luke 8-14 MSG)
To all who please Him. How do you please God? The writer of Hebrews tell us that without faith it is impossible. Faith in this instance is a noun and has the synonym trust. The wisdom writer affirms that we should trust in the Lord at all times and lean not to our own understanding. The promise attached to this bit of wisdom is that if we acknowledge the Lord with all our hearts, he will direct our paths. Now that is much ado about something. God is with us and offers peace to all who trust in Him.
Season’s Greeting and Happy Holy Days
