Sequence

I have distances clocked in my mind of long blocks and half blocks , so I know how to zig-zag for 40 minutes, and that will most often total my two mile goal. Down a block, north next to a busy street, and turn left at the Lutheran church. A new noise almost wipes out the sound of traffic. The church has a day care for three and four year olds. At the time I usually go, they are running with abandonment outside, ignoring any restrictions on space. Their arms stretch out to each other, and chortles of delight fill the air as they hug, pat, and move on. Pure joy! The word itself denotes movement, swelling up, and bubbling over. The third candle has to be JOY!

Hope can be a not yet moment involving carrying on and holding your breath. When the end is almost in sight or some questions are answered, a feeling of peace of comes. With the arrival of peace and a sense of surety, a bodily change begins to take place. A small giggle at first, a tenuous smile, and with abandonment, glee is passed from one to another. This sequence makes sense to me. The time has come for joy.

A child was promised under unusual circumstances, After what must have been an arduous journey, a place was found that would do for a birthing. Heaven rang with good news and angels declared,”This is news of great joy!” Hope, then peace, and now go see and tell. It’s not a secret to be whispered behind a cupped hand. It’s a time to open your whole body with arms spread wide and in a firm, loud voice proclaim, “Let me tell you!”

Sometimes, joy gets tamped down by circumstances. This March to December has opened spaces of relief, and yet, no one has totally breathed a sigh that the storm has passed. Decorations have gone up and houses on the streets have lights. Zoom helps us smile at much loved faces we won’t get to welcome with a kiss. Even with these moments that give light around the edges of the day, we still have a feeling of cautious acceptance that all is well. We find ourselves retreating to the time of the prophets. What they foretold was the truth that some promises never fail. We stand by the flickering flames and remember words that came after exile.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10