Advent 4 December 19, 2021
Philippians 4:4-7
Don't Worry...Be Happy!
v.4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Dear friends in Christ, we're almost there aren't we? We've almost reached the season of great joy that is Christmas! But we're not there yet. Still, in our readings we see the joy that even the anticipation of the Saviour's birth brings to the hearts of God's faithful people. John the Baptist leaps in his mother's womb at Elizabeth's meeting with the pregnant Virgin Mary (alternate Gospel reading). We see John the Baptist during his ministry answering questions of the Messiah--noting that he is not the Christ--though the Messiah is near--standing among them--He whose worth surpasses all others, such that John knows he is not worthy even to untie the strap of Jesus' sandal.
In our text, Paul encourages us to always rejoice. And we would think that would be a simple task--particularly at this time of year--when everyone seems so happy--so joyful--looking forward to some time off of work and quality time with family and friends--what could possibly be wrong with that?
Well, ironically, though this time of year is a season of great joy in anticipation of the celebration of our Saviour's birth--it also undoubtedly one of the most difficult and painful seasons for many people to endure. For some, there is fear and anxiety regarding whether or not they got the right gift; whether they are fully prepared for the holiday guests to arrive—whether they should even have holiday guests with COVID numbers creeping up yet again; and just plain stressed out over the general busyness that is so pervasive right now--rushing to and fro and hither and yon!
Others face tremendous fear, pain, and sorrow for the loved ones who have died and with whom they can no longer enjoy this special holiday time. Memories of past Advents and Christmases bring tears to their eyes and loneliness to their hearts. We may even be anxiously worrying over loved ones who are currently ill--wondering if this might be their last Christmas? Other Christians struggle with being alone, period—longing for fellowship and companionship with other people—desiring family, but perhaps not having their own at this time. What is the Christian to do in these circumstances?
St. Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Reminds me of the 1988 smash hit from Bobby McFerrin, "Don't worry, be happy," in which he sings that though life will often bring trouble, "Don't worry, be happy." Would that it were that easy!
In our sinfulness--our lack of total trust and reliance on God that He rightly demands of us in the First Commandment--we worry. We are anxious and fearful and find it difficult to be happy--to be joyful--when things aren't going our way. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there is something wrong with the world--that things aren't quite what they should be. The horrors of war are commonplace in the world, even as we face natural disasters no matter where you go--be they typhoons, fires, winter storms, or dread diseases that just won't stop. Everywhere there is heartache--there is depression--there is death. How are we to remain joyful? How can we be happy? Seems like a pipe dream.
Beloved, in all these situations, Paul gives good advice--pray! "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." There's your answer. Pray. Pray with thankfulness and trust that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace of God which the Christian enjoys no matter what is going on--due to the promises of God given us in His Word and Baptism and Supper--lead us to trust that God will conform our minds--protect it and keep it safe--like a guardian angel.
It is Jesus and His Word that give us hope--grant us peace and harmony with the Father--through the blood of Jesus. As John the Baptist declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Having been washed in the shed blood of Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of all of our sins--we may have peace and joy in our hearts despite difficult situations we face now.
As Christians, we have the joyful opportunity and responsibility to show God's love and compassion to our neighbours who are feeling down--depressed--lonely--in need of love and care. This is the joyful task of the Christian. To help those in need and to pray with them and for them--so that we may "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Dear friends, we will face the pressures of this world and life, just as anyone else. We feel the pressures of work (or lack thereof); we grow frustrated with friends and family; we are fearful of what the unknown future may bring. Through it all, as Christians, we flee to God in prayer, trusting that He hears us and will answer us in His mercy for the sake of Jesus Christ. We look to what Jesus has done. We flee to Him and trust that God sent Jesus to save us, just as Mary prayed in her Magnificat, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour."
Beloved, when feeling lost and alone--afraid and anxious--we come to the church--our brothers and sisters in Christ--we who ARE the church, by God's grace. As Paul says in Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." When we are weak--weary with fighting the world, Satan, and our flesh--we seek out the church--the body of Christ--that we may be upheld in prayer, even as we pray for others.
In the church we find true hope and joy--for in the church we receive Jesus our Lord and Saviour--He who has come near to us in the Holy Incarnation--becoming Immanuel--God with us. The Lord Jesus is among you this day! He comes near to you in His Word and Sacrament to give you that which you need to continue the struggle of this life--to grant you joy beyond all knowing. In His Word He proclaims to you your forgiven state before Him. In Baptism He washes you clean and adopts you into His family. In His Supper He feeds you with His very own body and blood in bread and wine. All these gifts are there to direct you to His mercy and love for you--through the shedding of His blood in your place.
In Christ's blood we receive forgiveness, strength and life. Having received His promises in faith we are blessed with "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding." This gift is far greater and more worthy than anything we will ever receive under the tree or in our Christmas stocking. For this peace "will guard (protect/hem in/shut or lock in) your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Peace is found in Christ Jesus alone. In Christ then there is no fear--no anxiety--no worries--only joy. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Philippians 4:4-7
Don't Worry...Be Happy!
v.4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Dear friends in Christ, we're almost there aren't we? We've almost reached the season of great joy that is Christmas! But we're not there yet. Still, in our readings we see the joy that even the anticipation of the Saviour's birth brings to the hearts of God's faithful people. John the Baptist leaps in his mother's womb at Elizabeth's meeting with the pregnant Virgin Mary (alternate Gospel reading). We see John the Baptist during his ministry answering questions of the Messiah--noting that he is not the Christ--though the Messiah is near--standing among them--He whose worth surpasses all others, such that John knows he is not worthy even to untie the strap of Jesus' sandal.
In our text, Paul encourages us to always rejoice. And we would think that would be a simple task--particularly at this time of year--when everyone seems so happy--so joyful--looking forward to some time off of work and quality time with family and friends--what could possibly be wrong with that?
Well, ironically, though this time of year is a season of great joy in anticipation of the celebration of our Saviour's birth--it also undoubtedly one of the most difficult and painful seasons for many people to endure. For some, there is fear and anxiety regarding whether or not they got the right gift; whether they are fully prepared for the holiday guests to arrive—whether they should even have holiday guests with COVID numbers creeping up yet again; and just plain stressed out over the general busyness that is so pervasive right now--rushing to and fro and hither and yon!
Others face tremendous fear, pain, and sorrow for the loved ones who have died and with whom they can no longer enjoy this special holiday time. Memories of past Advents and Christmases bring tears to their eyes and loneliness to their hearts. We may even be anxiously worrying over loved ones who are currently ill--wondering if this might be their last Christmas? Other Christians struggle with being alone, period—longing for fellowship and companionship with other people—desiring family, but perhaps not having their own at this time. What is the Christian to do in these circumstances?
St. Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Reminds me of the 1988 smash hit from Bobby McFerrin, "Don't worry, be happy," in which he sings that though life will often bring trouble, "Don't worry, be happy." Would that it were that easy!
In our sinfulness--our lack of total trust and reliance on God that He rightly demands of us in the First Commandment--we worry. We are anxious and fearful and find it difficult to be happy--to be joyful--when things aren't going our way. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there is something wrong with the world--that things aren't quite what they should be. The horrors of war are commonplace in the world, even as we face natural disasters no matter where you go--be they typhoons, fires, winter storms, or dread diseases that just won't stop. Everywhere there is heartache--there is depression--there is death. How are we to remain joyful? How can we be happy? Seems like a pipe dream.
Beloved, in all these situations, Paul gives good advice--pray! "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." There's your answer. Pray. Pray with thankfulness and trust that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace of God which the Christian enjoys no matter what is going on--due to the promises of God given us in His Word and Baptism and Supper--lead us to trust that God will conform our minds--protect it and keep it safe--like a guardian angel.
It is Jesus and His Word that give us hope--grant us peace and harmony with the Father--through the blood of Jesus. As John the Baptist declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Having been washed in the shed blood of Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of all of our sins--we may have peace and joy in our hearts despite difficult situations we face now.
As Christians, we have the joyful opportunity and responsibility to show God's love and compassion to our neighbours who are feeling down--depressed--lonely--in need of love and care. This is the joyful task of the Christian. To help those in need and to pray with them and for them--so that we may "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Dear friends, we will face the pressures of this world and life, just as anyone else. We feel the pressures of work (or lack thereof); we grow frustrated with friends and family; we are fearful of what the unknown future may bring. Through it all, as Christians, we flee to God in prayer, trusting that He hears us and will answer us in His mercy for the sake of Jesus Christ. We look to what Jesus has done. We flee to Him and trust that God sent Jesus to save us, just as Mary prayed in her Magnificat, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour."
Beloved, when feeling lost and alone--afraid and anxious--we come to the church--our brothers and sisters in Christ--we who ARE the church, by God's grace. As Paul says in Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." When we are weak--weary with fighting the world, Satan, and our flesh--we seek out the church--the body of Christ--that we may be upheld in prayer, even as we pray for others.
In the church we find true hope and joy--for in the church we receive Jesus our Lord and Saviour--He who has come near to us in the Holy Incarnation--becoming Immanuel--God with us. The Lord Jesus is among you this day! He comes near to you in His Word and Sacrament to give you that which you need to continue the struggle of this life--to grant you joy beyond all knowing. In His Word He proclaims to you your forgiven state before Him. In Baptism He washes you clean and adopts you into His family. In His Supper He feeds you with His very own body and blood in bread and wine. All these gifts are there to direct you to His mercy and love for you--through the shedding of His blood in your place.
In Christ's blood we receive forgiveness, strength and life. Having received His promises in faith we are blessed with "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding." This gift is far greater and more worthy than anything we will ever receive under the tree or in our Christmas stocking. For this peace "will guard (protect/hem in/shut or lock in) your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Peace is found in Christ Jesus alone. In Christ then there is no fear--no anxiety--no worries--only joy. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.