Saccharine Joy — Joy of Advent

  • December 16, 2021
  • /
  • John Tillman

Scripture Focus: Revelation 7.15-17
Therefore, “they are before the throne of God
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
    will shelter them with his presence.
‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
    nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

From John: What passes for “joy” in our culture is so far short of true joy. This lightly rewritten post from 2019 contrasts cultural definitions of joy with the true joy in Christ that we celebrate in Advent.

Reflection: Saccharine Joy — Joy of Advent
By John Tillman

Our culture uses the word “joy,” but we do not know what it means.

Ecstasy is our culture’s go-to joy substitute. We pursue sexual ecstasy as if it was the most valuable thing in the world. Drug companies and entertainment companies are monetizing sex while younger generations are having less and less of it. Entire industries are built around sex, including entertainment, fashion, and abortion. Everything from children’s clothing to cars, to mobile devices are sexualized in their marketing and in their design. Those who are not pursuing and experiencing extravagant sex lives are portrayed consistently with pity as if they have nothing to live for.

Luxury is another shallow joy substitute to which our culture is addicted. Whether luxury foods, such as the gold-infused world’s most expensive tacos, or more attainable luxuries such as exclusive restaurants, wines, or luxury cars, we consistently conflate the finer things of life with being joy-filled. We continue to do this despite messages in popular culture, including perennial favorites, A Christmas Carol and It’s A Wonderful Life, which tell us that money can’t buy happiness. The Bible goes further. It tells us that riches are not only meaningless but a spiritual danger, making it more difficult to enter the kingdom of God.

Saccharine substitutes for the true sweetness of joy are worse than artificial sweeteners in our food. Artificial sweeteners don’t destroy our ability to taste sugar or honey, but our addiction to ecstasy and luxury makes us insensitive to and unsatisfied by true joy.

If modern joy substitute addicts followed the shepherds to Christ’s manger they would likely be unimpressed and confused. Joy in poverty? Joy in virginity? Joy in anonymity? Yes.

On the other hand, John’s throne room vision of the future is appealingly luxurious. But the joys of the saints in eternity come not from the throne room, but from the manger—and the cross.

To see the joy the shepherds saw and celebrated, we need to lose the lenses of luxury and ecstasy and look on the manger with new eyes. 

In the darkness of Advent, we await the joy of good news. May we recognize and proclaim it. The gospel is good news that, to the world, seems as foolish as proclaiming a penniless child king. That is exactly what the shepherds did. It is what we must do as well.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. — Psalm 85.9

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
2 Chronicles 18 (Listen – 5:51)
Revelation 7 (Listen – 2:56)

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We need to choose to embrace true joy, even in the midst of difficulty.

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Consolation and Patience — Joy of Advent

  • December 15, 2021
  • /
  • John Tillman

Scripture Focus: Revelation 6.10-11
10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been. 

Reflection: Consolation and Patience — Joy of Advent
By John Tillman

As Revelation’s seals open, the consequences of sin ride out upon the earth in a predictable sequence. Each apocalyptic rider is a natural, logical next step following the previous judgment.

The prideful rider seeking conquest is followed by war and the bloodshed of the sword. The sword of war does not bring victory or peace, but famine and scarcity. Scarcity and famine are followed by death and “hades.” Destruction, want, and chaos result. The darkness that precedes the light of Christ’s coming falls.

For centuries, scholars have debated whether these “seals” were opened in John’s day or our day, or whether they were to be opened at some point in the future. It is also possible that these prophecies, like many in scripture, have multiple fulfillments. This means that they may refer to something in the author’s or readers’ immediate future or present, while simultaneously referring to events in our time or in centuries to come.

If the greatest minds of Christendom have pondered these texts for two millennia without consensus, then perhaps certainty is not their purpose. So, if Revelation’s purpose is not to give us certainty, what is it to give us? Well, humbly admitting I could be wrong, I think the answer is probably twofold. Revelation intends to keep us watchful. Revelation intends to drive us to God, through the scriptures. 

Advent is a rehearsal for Christ’s second Advent. Darkening days (in the Northern Hemisphere) symbolize darkening, increasingly sinful times. We long for light, seeking joy to end our anguish. In John’s vision of Heaven, the long, languishing wait for justice carries over after death. Those “slain because of the Word of God” are comforted, yet still wait, crying for justice.

Like those “under the altar” we are comforted in our waiting and suffering. We seek and receive consolation from God himself. Whether the seals are in our past or future, Jesus is coming soon for us, either at the hour of our death or the hour of his appearing. Christ’s coming will be joyful for some and tragic for others. We should be watchful for him and take every opportunity to share him with others. The very reason for Christ’s delay is that more may be saved. The greater number of people we bring with us, the greater our joy will be.

With whom will you share the joyful news of Christ’s coming?

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all flesh bless his holy Name for ever and ever.. — Psalm 145.22

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
2 Chronicles 17 (Listen – 2:48)
Revelation 6 (Listen – 3:12)

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Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

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One Worth Rejoicing In — Joy of Advent

  • December 14, 2021
  • /
  • John Tillman

Scripture Focus: Revelation 5.4-5
4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 

2 Chronicles 16.9
9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…

Reflection: One Worth Rejoicing In — Joy of Advent
By John Tillman

Asa started out so well and fell so far. 

Asa began as one of the great spiritual reformers of the Davidic line of kings. However, even though he is described as being “fully committed to the Lord” for his entire life (2 Chronicles 15.17), he definitely ended his life differently than he began his reign.

Later in his life, Asa’s theological and ceremonial religious reforms gave way to practical, political concerns. Eventually, due to faith in military power rather than God, Asa stripped the treasuries of the temple, purchasing military assistance. 

Asa justified his means by his ends. Asa’s heart hardened not only against God but against people. He became an oppressor of the people and imprisoned prophets who challenged him. Asa ended his life in bitter rebellion against God.

We have seen many leaders in the mold of Asa. Political and religious leaders who have begun as reformers. They win early, joyful victories and do good things but eventually are exposed as corrupt, cynical, immoral, or power-obsessed. They shrivel before our eyes like a diseased root. We may weep over the fall of these leaders or weep because we suffer under their abuse but there is a leader coming, the “Root of David” (Isaiah 11.1, 10-11; Revelation 5.5; 22.16), who will set all things right. 

As we weep for (or because of) unworthy leaders, we share tears with John, who wept that none were worthy to open the scroll in heaven. Before the seals were opened, the elder spoke to John and speaks to us: “Do not weep. The true root of Jesse, the root of David is coming!” We may weep while we wait, yet we can rejoice. 

The Lord is coming, who is our source of victory and joy. We are waiting for him and he is searching for us. The eyes of the Lord are looking for those who are humble, those who are committed to him, those who are weeping as they wait for him. If we humble ourselves, he will strengthen us.

May we be humble servants, not oppressors.
May we not grow proud of our own strength or fearful of others.
May we rely on God and his providence, not the machinations of this world.

Our joy is not in our own selves but in Christ. Triumph and joy are assured by the undefeatable identity of Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, and so will my soul, which you have redeemed. — Psalm 71.2

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
2 Chronicles 16 (Listen – 2:51)
Revelation 5 (Listen – 2:39)

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Unexpected Victory — Joy of Advent

  • December 13, 2021
  • /
  • John Tillman

Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 14.11
11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.” 

Reflection: Unexpected Victory — Joy of Advent
By John Tillman

The joy of unexpected victory is ours in Advent.

Asa, son of David, faces a Goliath of an army and cries out in faith, “There is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty…”

The armies Asa faced vastly outnumbered him and were better equipped, with hundreds of chariots on hand. We often see this scenario in scripture. Over and over, the people of God are at a power deficit, at a technological deficit, and often at a deficit of courage. When they cry out to God, he is sufficient. When they seek human sufficiency, they fail. 

We see this in Asa’s life. In today’s reading, Asa relies on God. In just a couple pages, he will turn to political means for defense. When Asa is confronted, he will throw God’s prophet in prison. (2 Chronicles 16.7-10)

Like Asa, our reliance on God can be fickle. Our faith can fluctuate. We need to be regularly reacquainted with and recalibrated by the joy of unexpected victory.

For this reason Advent, and other seasons of the church, are needed. Looking deeply and regularly into the unexpected victory of Jesus at every stage, we recalibrate our expectations.

Rather than come in power, Jesus comes in weakness. Rather than gather soldiers or scholars, he gathers fishermen and fools. Rather than strengthen our arms, Jesus lays his arms down. Rather than pierce his enemies, for enemies, he is pierced.

God entered our world that was and is deficient in leadership, deficient in financial opportunity, deficient in peace, deficient in safety. He bore our sorrows and sufferings as his own, not just in the type of death he died but in the type of life he lived. Jesus endured deficiency to supply us with sufficiency.

The world expects us to surrender to what surrounds us. These Goliath-sized armies of sins, cravings, systems, and ideologies will defeat our human strength. Yet, there is no one like Jesus to help the powerless against the mighty. Jesus provides us with unexpected victory. 

Advent is the unassuming mustard seed from which sprouts the unexpected joy of gospel victory. There is no one whose sufficient victory is more surprising than the eucatastrophe of the cross. Christ’s upside-down victory through birth, life, death, and resurrection shocks us into joy. 

The rhythm of Advent’s repetition reminds us of the sufficiency of God for all our needs and the joy of the unexpected.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118.24

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
2 Chronicles 14-15 (Listen – 5:49)
Revelation 4 (Listen – 2:09)

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Advent’s love anticipates the manger, but it creates an unmistakable vector pointing to the cross.

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O Come All Ye Faithful — Carols of Advent Love

  • December 10, 2021
  • /
  • Jon Polk

Scripture Focus: Revelation 1:4b-6
4b Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

John 17:24-26
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Reflection: O Come All Ye Faithful — Carols of Advent Love
By Jon Polk

Adore, verb, /əˈdɔːr/: to love someone very much, especially in a way that shows a lot of admiration or respect. (Cambridge Dictionary)

“O Come All Ye Faithful,” is a timeless Christmas carol, beckoning the faithful who have sung it across the ages to join together with the shepherds and others who gathered in Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of the king!

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the king of angels.

The original Latin text of the song is credited to John Frances Wade and consisted of the four verses commonly sung today. Wade was an English exile living in France, having fled due to discrimination against Roman Catholics in the mid-1700s.

Wade taught music at an English college and also hand copied chant and hymn manuscripts for private use by wealthy families. In the 1740s, he produced the song, “Adeste Fideles,” having either written the text himself or discovered words written by 13th-century Cistercian monks. 

Three additional verses were later added by French Catholic priest Jean-François-Étienne Borderies, which give depth to the song. One verse describes the visit of the shepherds, one recounts the journey of the magi, and one centers all of us in the manger along with the holy child.

Child, for us sinners
Poor and in the manger,
Fain we embrace thee, with love and awe;
Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly?

Note that there is no comma after “sinners.” Punctuation matters. Instead of the “child poor and in the manger,” the structure suggests it is “us sinners poor and in the manger.” In our poor and wretched state, we are included in this intimate moment to embrace Jesus with love and admiration.

And who is this infant Jesus and why should we display such unbridled affection for him?

God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created.

The song effortlessly reaches back through church history to 325 AD, mirroring the words of the Nicene Creed, “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.”

We are reminded that this baby is God in flesh and, knowing the rest of his story, who would not want to love him after he has loved us so dearly? 

So come, all ye faithful sinners poor and in the manger, come and love Jesus so very much, especially in ways that show your tremendous admiration and respect for him. Come. Come and love.

Listen: O Come All Ye Faithful by Take 6
Listen: Adeste Fidelis by Andrea Bocelli
Read: Lyrics from Hymnary.org

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Know this: the Lord himself is God; he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. — Psalm 100.2

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
2 Chronicles 10 (Listen – 3:01)
Revelation 1 (Listen – 3:43)

This Weekend’s Readings
2 Chronicles 11-12 (Listen – 6:00) Revelation 2 (Listen – 4:59)
2 Chronicles 13 (Listen – 3:56) Revelation 3 (Listen – 3:53)

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