Today is the third Sunday of Advent. After “hope” the first week and “peace” the second week, the theme for the third week is “joy”. In the midst of a season of waiting, longing, and shadows, this week reminds us that the one for whom we wait is coming soon. The candle we lit today is not blue, like the others, but pink - another sign of joy.
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| Photo by Dan Edwards on Unsplash |
In most of today’s readings, the theme of joy is clear. In Zephaniah, the prophet encourages the people to rejoice because God’s presence and favor have been made known. With celebration and gladness, exultation and singing, the people rejoice together. Disaster and judgment have been removed, and home and fortunes restored. Joy certainly seems appropriate here!
In Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages the members of that church to rejoice. Whatever happens, the Lord is near, hearing requests and surrounding them with peace. Again, a cause for joy!
Yes, the theme of joy is clear as we move through the readings. Clear, that is, until we reach the Gospel reading. Where the prophet Zephaniah and the apostle Paul exhort the people to “rejoice!”, John the Baptist instead calls out, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
And while in Zephaniah and Philippians God’s presence is presented as a gift and cause for joy and celebration, here God’s presence sounds more like a threat. “Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees…” John proclaims. Later, when talking about the one more powerful than him who is coming, John says, “With a winnowing fork in hand, he will clear the threshing floor and gather the wheat into his granary, burning the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Surely there are better options for the Gospel reading if those compiling the lectionary wanted to highlight the theme of “joy.” Right?! Well, maybe. It may take a few more steps to get there, but the connection to joy from this text is an important one. The images of axes and winnowing forks and unquenchable fires are indeed threatening. But, to what is that threat directed?
In an entire orchard, dead or diseased trees must be cut down in order to preserve the health and stability of the whole orchard. Left in place, a dead tree could blow down in a windstorm and crash into the strong, healthy trees, damaging them and their growing fruit. Left in place, a diseased tree could spread that disease to the healthy trees, hindering their ability to produce good fruit. Diseased or unproductive trees also still use vital nutrients in the soil that could go to healthy trees.
Similarly, in the threshing process separating the wheat from the chaff is not about dividing good wheat from bad. Instead, it removes the chaff – the outer husk, an unusable layer – leaving only the wheat, which is then fed to animals or sent for milling.
It seems that, ultimately, the axes and winnowing forks and unquenchable fires are actually present in service of something bigger. The end goal is not destruction at all, but rather flourishing.
If we think about it ourselves, we can imagine that there are, in fact, things in our lives that need to be cut away so that joy can grow and flourish - so that we can grow and flourish. What comes to mind for you? Where are those places in your life where joy seems nonexistent, or at least struggling mightily? What might need to succumb to the axe or winnowing fork so that you can experience joy and flourishing?
Perhaps what needs to be cut away is worry. It’s hard to feel joy when all our time and energy are spent obsessing over things that are beyond our control. While we should not just ignore or brush under the rug anything negative or concerning, too much worry can consume us in a way that is unhealthy.
Perhaps what needs to be cut away is the way we can be bound to traditions that are no longer life-giving. This is an especially challenging one as the holidays approach. But perhaps Christmas rarely feels joyful for you because you’re too tired or too stressed. Perhaps you are run ragged trying to keep up traditions for the sake of tradition.
Perhaps what needs to be cut away is a toxic relationship. We are called to forgiveness, yes, but we do not need to risk our own health and wellbeing for someone who is abusive or resistant to repentance.
Perhaps what needs to be cut away is selfishness, and a lack of concern for others. When we’re only focused on ourselves, we can miss the joy and the need of others around us. We can get a skewed sense of what is really important.
I imagine that you can think of things in your own life where cutting them away will actually result in life and flourishing and joy.
The good news of the Gospel is the freedom, salvation, and life abundant that Jesus brings. In baptism, we die to sin - we are cut off from the sin that binds us - and are raised to new life in Christ. Freed from those things that hinder our flourishing, we are freed for joyful service for God and neighbor. This is indeed good and joyful news.
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