Searching for Joy

As my reflection this week, I want to share with you the poem “The Birth of Wonder,” by Madeline L’Engle. I came across this poem when preparing for our midweek Advent services and I was immediately struck by the words. I found that the poem captured the feelings in my heart this Advent season. The poet speaks to the joy that goes beyond just a festive season, which is the joy for which I know many of us are longing.

The Birth of Wonder As I grow older
I get surer
Man’s heart is colder,
His life no purer.
As I grow steadily
More austere
I come less readily
To Christmas each year.
I can’t keep taking
Without a thought
Forced merrymaking
And presents bought
In crowds jostling.
Alas, there’s naught
In empty wassailing
Where oblivion’s sought.
Oh, I’d be waiting
With quiet fasting
Anticipating
A joy more lasting.
And so I rhyme
With no apology
During this time
of eschatology:
Judgment and warning
Come like thunder.
But now is the hour
When I remember
An infant’s power
On a cold December.
Midnight is dawning
And the birth of wonder.

In the midst of your last minute holiday preparations this week, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the joy we know as followers of Christ. It is the joy of a Savior who has put on flesh to dwell with us in the Christ child and who promises to come again, too. Let this joy fill you, even in the midst of the sadness, grief and challenges you may face.

I also encourage you to take a moment to invite someone to come to Christmas Eve services at Abiding Presence. There are so many searching for joy right now who are waiting to hear the good news of Jesus. Share the joy you know! Offer an invitation!