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“Start to Smile”

December 22, 2024

Micah 5:2-5a|Hebrews 10:5-10|Luke 1:39-55

I’m not the easiest person to be around during the Advent season. I’m one of those people who leans into the penitential aspect of the season, sometimes fasting, usually embracing the darker tones in my wardrobe, and eschewing any hint of seasonal joy. I’m the person in the back of the room frowning when people start singing “Joy to the World,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” or “Frosty the Snowman.” I’m the one grumbling that it isn’t Christmas yet, so we shouldn’t be singing those Christmas songs.

A week ago, the readings took a turn from the apocalyptic notes of doom and gloom (with real undertones of hope) to ones of promise and joy. Even John the Baptist, who relishes in cutting down the proud and entitled, ended his message with a promise of good news. A week ago, during the worship service we lit the pink candle, embracing that it was indeed Gaudete Sunday.

The reading for today pulls us to lean fully into the joy of the season. Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting and her child leaps with joy. She sees Mary and cries out, “Blessed are you among women!” Mary responds to Elizabeth’s impromptu song of praise with her own words of joy and celebration. “My soul magnifies the Lord… for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” Or as Eugene Peterson suggested in The Message (his transliteration/paraphrase of the Bible), Mary says, “I am the most fortunate woman on earth!”

It is difficult for even the most curmudgeon of people, for even me, to not smile after sitting with the readings for today. The joy expressed by Mary, by Elizabeth, and even by the baby in Elizabeth’s womb is infectious. It is impossible to escape.

So today I am going to start singing songs of hope and joy. I am going to start celebrating even though it is a little early. Because the promise of the birth is real. Because the hope of Elizabeth and Mary’s joy is real. Because I know the moment when we can and will celebrate is very near. I will start to celebrate and invite you to start as well.

But know that I will reign it in a little bit… after all, it isn’t yet Christmas.

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Malone