Monday, December 17, 2012 – Philippians 4 – Cause for Joy
![advent-candles[1]](https://thenoontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/advent-candles1.jpg?w=193&h=169)
If we observe the lighting of an Advent wreath, we know that the third candle celebrates the coming of joy. Yesterday was Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday. I can remember as a child anticipating this special day with almost as much delight as Christmas – salvation is nearly upon us! And there are precious few days between now and the day we celebrate Christ’s birth. There is very little time to prepare the way of the Lord. So despite any turmoil or grief or chaos we might be experiencing in our lives . . . still we pause to rejoice as St. Paul writes to the Philippians as we heard read out to us today: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Verses 4 through 9 of this Chapter of Paul’s letter to the faithful in Philippi form a beautiful anthem to joy. He told the Philippians, and he tells us today, that no matter our circumstances there is cause for joy. We have only to acknowledge that God is with us.
God created each of us beautiful in his image; yet life can degenerate quickly and seemingly without cause. Even in the darkest of times, there is cause for joy in that God abides and does not abandon the faithful. Paul gives us a formula for peace and joy.
When we find ourselves amidst lies and liars, let us remain true.
When we find ourselves in difficult situations, let us remain honorable.
When we find ourselves in an unholy environment, let us remain pure.
When things around us have become ugly and dangerous, let us remain lovely.
When people around us are demeaning and cruel, let us remain gracious.
When others encourage us to get by with little, let us strive for excellence.
When the world appears to embody all that is bleak, let us praise God for his abiding presence in all circumstances.
When the remnant gathers to huddle in a small ray of light that speaks to the darkness, let us persevere with the faithful.
In doing all of this, we will find peace and have cause for joy. And this peace and joy will be with us as they are with God.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
To read more about the third, or pink candle on the Advent Wreath, click on the image above or go to: http://frtim.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/whats-up-with-the-pink-candle/
Written on March 5, 2010. Re-written and posted today as a Favorite.
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