CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Christian churches around the world will light the Joy candle this Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent.
Joy is difficult to write about. We’re supposed to have joy with the Christ-child’s birth. But most Jews of the day would have been disappointed. The conventional thinking was that the Messiah would be a powerful figure on earth who would throw off Rome’s oppression and lead his people to economic prosperity. This child, born in a stable to poor parents, didn’t seem promising for that.
As he began his ministry, Jesus’ teachings were difficult to follow, and didn’t seem particularly joyful. Give your possessions away to the poor. Love those who hate you. Pray for your enemies. Turn the other cheek.
He would teach us that our joy is deferred. That we are to store up our treasure in heaven where rust and moths and thieves can’t get at it.
I think there is joy in this: On Christmas night, the God of infinite creation – and he has created things that we will never see; distant galaxies, the depts of the ocean are still made by him. The God of unimaginable vastness draws close to us… and sends to us his Son. Not as a mighty military commander or a Wall Street guru. And He is here to redeem us… to save our souls; the one part of us that is eternal.
There is a painting that’s been popular as a gift this year. It’s called ‘First Day in Heaven’ where a young woman is leaping into the arms of her Savior. The look on her face is ecstatic, she’s crying happy tears. Tears of joy.
Chris Conley
The Gospel TLC in Weston is a one-of-its-kind transitional living home for men who are trying to turn away from addiction. They need people to become monthly givers. I have a link here.
The Gospel TLC also has day-to-day needs, like: milk, butter, eggs, onions, aluminum foil, softsoap refills, dishwasher pods, paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, ziplock, storage bags, disinfectant wipes. Those items can be dropped off at their building near the hospital in Weston on Cross Pointe Boulevard.
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