Joy
Up and out: Luke 24:44-53
Of the four evangelists, Luke alone writes an actual exit scene for the risen Jesus.
First Sunday of Advent (Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9)
The preacher must remind those who feel worthless already that Isaiah is not trying to make them feel worse.
Night music: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
Why are you and I offered this wonderful performance on this Advent Sunday? Because although it may be winter in the realm of nature, it is springtime in the realm of the spirit and of our Christian hearts. We are not far from the fields and caves of Bethlehem. But before we come to them, we need to know that every one of these songs was sung in spite of the times. Knowing this, it is salutary to look once again at the extraordinary joy that bubbles forth.
Course correction: Jeremiah 31:7-14
I agree with Bill Moyers, who says that poetry is the most honest language he hears today. Poetry is the instrument of the prophet. If you want to discover the real news of the day, turn off the cable news networks and take a trip to your bookshelf or the local library and read some poetry. Poetry exposes truth and stays anchored to it.