Daily Advent Reflection: December 6
Second Sunday in Advent
Psalms 148, 149, 150 · 114, 115
Isa. 5:1-7 2
Pet. 3:11-18
Luke 7:28-35
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your Name give glory; because of your love and because of your faithfulness. – Psalm 115:1
December and Advent can seem more like a “pre-Christmas” season, than an intentional and separate time, full of prayer and expectant waiting. Today is the second Sunday of Advent, the week that the lone candle is joined by a second, increasing the light they shed in the church and on the kitchen table. The rhythm of lighting the candles, one week at a time, can aid us as we slow down, and redirect our focus from our own efforts to God’s.
Today’s psalm addresses God, and asks that God ensure that the praise goes towards God, rather than towards God’s created beings. Though the psalm addresses God, I think the reminder is geared more towards humans and less towards the God whose love and faithfulness inspire such praise. It’s tempting to see our achievements and accomplishments and ticking-off-our-to-do-lists as reasons to praise ourselves and discount the Lord who made us and walks faithfully by our side. Indeed, three times the psalmist asks the people to trust in God, for “he is their help and their shield.”
The Way of Love Advent Calendar poses the question this day: “What part of gathering for worship fills your heart with hope?” While this might seem an ironic question this year (we are, after all, not physically gathering at this time), my hope comes from the fact that despite the challenges, we are continuing to gather. We continue to trust in the God who is worthy of glory, who is our help and our shield. We remain the church, following Jesus, loving God and one another, and serving as Christ’s hands in the world. After all, as Psalm 115 says: “The heaven of heavens is the Lord's, but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.”
In our rush of shopping, cleaning, organizing and restructuring this year, let’s take comfort in the Good News that Christ is coming. The God who made us and entrusted the earth to us is getting ready to be incarnate among us. So set your plans aside for a day (or even just fifteen minutes). It won’t be perfect because of all your planning and rushing and hurrying. The day that God made and gifts to you will be an opportunity for blessings – both given and received. It will offer us chances to spread God’s love. The day is a gift, entrusted to us by God who is glorified because of God’s love and faithfulness.
Today is also the feast day of Nicholas of Myra, commonly called Santa Claus. We do not know many facts about this 3rd Century Bishop, though there are certainly a plethora of stories and legends associated with this beloved saint. One tradition is of St. Nicholas providing dowries for three young ladies who would have been otherwise unable to marry. Since the gifts were given anonymously, St. Nicholas was given credit for later gifts, given anonymously in love, simply to help care for one another. In the words of James Kiefer, St. Nicholas is the name we give to the giver of an “anonymous gift given to someone whom we do not know, but whom we love anyway because God does.”
We love because God loves us. And God does love us. So as you light your second candle this evening and watch the room grow brighter and warmer in its light, remember to trust in God who is our help and our shield. Our God who is praiseworthy for God’s love and faithfulness. A God who entrusts us with such gifts and delights when we share those gifts in love.
The Rev. Pippa Lindwright
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dousman