Sunday, December 16, 2018

Psalm 63:1–8(9–11), 98 
Amos 9: 11-15 
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3, 13-17 
John 3:22–30 

John the Baptist speaks of his joy coming from the realization of Jesus' calling. He was sent before Jesus and his joy is in Jesus finally coming forth. He now feels fulfilled, not because he himself is recognized for doing great things but because he has done the will of God and fulfilled his destiny.

Watching my daughters grow up, I have to say that I think I feel the same joy as John. My joy has come in watching them become young adults fulfilling God's will for themselves in their lives. I have found that my own dreams and plans for them have had to fade in some way as I realize that their dreams are not my own. God has a plan for them that I really have no say in. My own hopes and dreams for my own life have had to take a distant second to the needs of my daughters as well. Again, I find that even my own dream of being a mother is not playing out to my will but to God's. I am living a life that I never envisioned in my wildest dreams and I am not complaining. I find it tremendous, really. I was sent before to bring forth my children and my greatest joy is in watching them grow as I myself diminish.

Mary, too, was sent before, to bring Jesus forth in an even more

profound way then even John the Baptist. She too, realized her greatest joy in being a mother, in decreasing to “allow” God to use her as a vessel of conception, in decreasing to enable Jesus to become all he was meant to be no matter the cost to her or even, ultimately to him. In all that she found joy. In so many ways it seems paradoxical, Mary finding joy despite knowing the suffering to come. Yet she was confident in God's will. I am reminded of the old carol, The Seven Joys of Mary, recently made popular by the Canadian folk-rock band, Great Big Sea. May you find your joy this Advent season in whatever God wills for you. 

– Nancy Scott

The Seven Joys of Mary

traditional English Carol, 15th century

The first good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of one;

To see the blessed Jesus Christ, when he was first her Son. When he was first her Son, Good Lord; and happy may we be; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of two;

To see her own Son Jesus Christ, making the lame to go. Making the lame to go, Good Lord; and happy may we be; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of three; To see her own Son Jesus Christ, making the blind to see. Making the blind to see, Good Lord; and happy may we be; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of four; To see her own Son Jesus Christ reading the Bible o'er. Reading the Bible o'er, Good Lord; and happy may we be; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of five;

To see her own Son Jesus Christ, raising the dead to life. Raising the dead to life, Good Lord; and happy may we be; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of six; To see her own Son Jesus Christ upon the Crucifix. Upon the Crucifix, Good Lord; and happy may we be; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of seven; To see her own Son Jesus Christ ascending into Heaven. Ascending into Heaven, Good Lord; and happy may we be; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to all eternity.