12/9/2015 Wednesday
Philippians 4:4-6 (NT) Rejoice! Give Thanks!
To a musician, the first line of our
reading rings forth the sweet assurances of Henry Purcell’s so-called “Bell
Anthem.” It begins with the descending peal of a clock tower that reminds us
that in this Advent season the bells ring out the message of Christ’s coming
and His redeeming love for all of the creation. Paul tells us to “rejoice
always” and this recalls to mind that he also tells us to “pray without ceasing”
(I Thessalonians 5) and also to rejoice. Sometimes it seems easier to pray
without ceasing than to rejoice always. This means rejoice not only in
uplifting times redolent with love and peace but also in times of trouble and
trial. But we are admonished to rejoice in our adversity because we have the
fast assurance that the Lord is with us at these times as well, holding us up,
bolstering our faith, providing the solid rock to which we cling. Rejoice when
storm clouds gather. Hold fast to the rock of our salvation. The Lord is at
hand, and never more encouragingly as when we meditate on His advent. The King
is coming! Our sure foundation is born as one of us, among us, leading us by a
star to the place where He abides. Perhaps the Magi sang as they followed that
star, rejoicing all the rugged way.
Franklyn Commisso
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