Links for today’s readings:
Dec 18 Read: 2 Chronicles 21 Listen: (3:25) Read: Psalms 123-125 Listen: (1:32)
Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 21.20
20 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
Reflection: To No One’s Regret — Joy of Advent
By John Tillman
The chronicler’s harsh words about Jehoram’s death have been repeated about many distasteful people in history. “He passed away, to no one’s regret.”
They also remind us of the visions the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge sees reactions to the death of an unmourned man. His business associates scoff at the cheap funeral. His house staff steal valuables. The man is, of course, Scrooge. Prior to his repentance, Scrooge created wealth but no goodness. Worse than that, he caused pain, suffering, and hardship without mercy, compassion, or empathy. He touched no one’s life. He only collected their fees. For these reasons he dies to no one’s regret.
By contrast, in It’s a Wonderful Life, Clarence comments on the awful alternate version of Bedford Falls that exists without George Bailey in it. “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole.”
These fictional tales of alternate realities show two ways to “leave an awful hole.” Bailey left a hole by the absence of his self-sacrifice, compassion, and bravery. Scrooge left a hole by the presence of his greed, cruelty, and mercilessness.
Jehoram was more merciless and wicked than any Christmas movie villain. He murdered his brothers and undid the spiritual progress his father made. The only joy associated with Jehoram was at his death.
Mary prophesied that the unborn Jesus would bring down “rulers from their thrones.” Part of the joy of Advent is awaiting the justice Jesus will bring. There are many “rulers” we have suffered or will suffer under. Some rulers, like Jehoram and Herod, may perhaps die in embarrassing and public demonstrations of God’s judgment (2 Chronicles 21.18-19; Acts 12.21-22) “to no one’s regret.”
But Jesus primarily throws down other tyrants. Our inner sinful nature is a tyrant we carry in our minds and hearts. Death, sin, and Satan are the tyrants of all tyrants. These are the powers, rulers, and authorities that Christ publicly humiliates and throws down. (Colossians 2.15)
Mary celebrated joyously before Jesus was even born. We also celebrate joy before its full completeness. We both participate in and demonstrate the results of Christ’s work by creating goodness, easing hardship, and working for justice. Let us be repentant Scrooges, ever filling holes in others’ lives rather than leaving them.
When our lives are over, may “good and faithful servant” be said rather than “to no one’s regret.”
Divine Hours Prayer: The Morning Psalm
Come now and see the works of God, how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
In his might he rules forever; his eyes keep watch over the nations; let no rebel rise up against him.
Bless our God, you peoples; make the voice of his praise to be heard;
Who holds our soul in life, and will not allow our feet to slip. — Psalm 66.4, 6-8
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Justice Brings Joy — Joy of Advent
Let him find us faithfully at work sowing the gospel, establishing righteousness, and distributing a harvest of justice.
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