Advent December 14, 2006

Rejoice, Rejoice!

Light: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

Reflection: Henrich Seuse (Suso), although a German born into wealth, became a Dominican monk who shared the gospel with common people. Unfortunately, he was condemned, exiled, and persecuted for his radical beliefs that the gospel was for all.

In a dream, he saw angels singing and dancing with joy and woke up to write, " In Dulci Jubilo!" in German and Latin. This mixed-language (macaronic) carol is most definitely not a solemn scriptural song in the high language of the 14th century, but instead an exuberant song for all classes celebrating the joy of believing.

Hundreds of years later, James Mason Neale, a man also persecuted and exiled for the radical belief that the joy of Christianity was for all people, translated this happy carol into English "Good Christian Men, Rejoice!" so many could rejoice.

Picture caroling in merry old England, with string and wind instruments--even a bass fiddle--encircling torch-bearing carolers. They're celebrating great news. Jesus Christ was born to save! Is that invitation enough to celebrate? Suso and Neale thought so. Rejoice today! Again, I say rejoice!

Song: "Good Christian Men, Rejoice!"

Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;Give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ is born today:Ox and ass before him bow and He is in the manger nowChrist is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;Now ye hear of endless bliss; Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this!He has open'd the heav'nly door and man is blessed evermoreChrist was born for this! Christ was born for this!

Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;Now ye need not fear the grave; Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save!Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hallChrist was born to save! Christ was born to save!

Symbol: Light

Christmas lights outline rooftops and windows, encircle evergreens and illuminate front yards in our town. I especially enjoy seeing single candle lights twinkling in windows to welcome me home. How appropriate that we celebrate with light on the birthday of the One who is the One true light.

In ancient times, unbelievers lit winter bonfires as a plea to the sun to remain during the darkness. They considered the lighting of candles to hold great power, yet remained in darkness to the One True Light, the real Son with whom resides all power.

When the candles flicker in your home, consider their symbolism. The people of old sat in darkness waiting for their Savior. Zechariah tells us God sent His Son "to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace" (Luke 1:79).

Let Him illuminate your path of peace this Advent season. Here are a few suggestions to keep remembering His light.

Suggestion: Jesus Is the Light

One year I received tin luminaries from a student and his parents. They drilled holes into tin cans, placed a candle inside and included the verse, "Jesus is the Light of the World!" Another year, my daughters painted a simple design on clear, glass votive candleholders and gave them as gifts. Perhaps this year, with candles and luminaries, you could bring the gift of light into the lives of your friends, and with an added scripture, the light of Christ.

Let the light of Christ shine through you like luminaries lining the porch steps to your home. Draw others to the One who calls Himself "The Door" of Salvation.
Response: Light of the World, shine Your light through me. May those who do not know You see the light of Your Son's face in me. As I go through my day, guide me by Your all-surpassing power.