I was glad. Psalm 122:1

Advent 1, Year A

I was glad Psalm 122:1 The readings from Isaiah 2:1-5 and Psalm 122 paint magnificent pictures. In Isaiah the Messiah King has restored Israel. People who once fought wars to survive are planting fields and cultivating vineyards. The city and temple that once laid in ruins on the hills of Jerusalem are rebuilt high on a mountain. This new Jerusalem is the center of commerce, daily life, and worship for all nations and not just for the people of Israel. Psalm 122 describes the joy of life and worship in the new Jerusalem.

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1

The people who believed in God and expected the Messiah to save them from enemies, hardship, isolation, and death are gladly walking in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5 What happened? Had God restored the fortunes of Zion? No. These texts were composed and recorded during times when people were dying in battles, being deported, and governed by kings who who considered themselves god. How, in those circumstances, could people be glad? What moved them to rejoice?

Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome offers a explanation. Though Paul did not know what time it was, he gave sound directions. Paul incorrectly assumed the persecution of believers signaled the imminent return of Christ. That was not the case. In spite of this mistake, Paul’s directions to the Christians in Rome were on point. He said,

…lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; (sic) live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ… Romans 13:12-14

Jesus knew it was impossible to predict when the Messiah would coming. He said,

…about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son… Matthew 24:36

No one knows when the Messiah will end wars, install justice, rebuild ruined cities, and establish peace on earth. What Paul got right, we learn at baptism. Baptism commissions believers to live as though Christ is among us. People baptized in The Episcopal Church vow to continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers. We promise to resist evil, repent, and returning to God. We commit to proclaiming the good news by our words and deeds. We agree to seek and serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every human being. Paul may not have known what time it was, but he knew how believers should live.

Believers are to be Christlike in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Acting in accordance with our faith makes it possible for Isaiah’s predictions become reality.

Swords are converted into ploughshares, and spears into pruninghooks; people refrain from shooting one another with guns, nations stop firing missiles against nation (sic); we study war no more. Isaiah 2:4

Across Long Island volunteers prepared and served thousand of meals during Thanksgiving week. Without government funding, The Concerned Coalition of Medical Professionals has provided free dental and medical care to residents of Brooklyn and Queens for nearly 30 years. Christ Church members offer transportation and moral support to elderly and sick members. Isaiah’s vision and the joyful song in Psalm 122 paint impossibly magnificent pictures that are possible now. The good things depicted are possible whenever and wherever people of faith choose to walk in the light of the Lord. The incarnation of Christ was good news, the return of Christ will bring good news, and our walks in the light of Christ are good news. When Christ returns (in the final moments of your life or at the end of time), a mirror will be held up to each of us. That mirror will reflect our thoughts, words, and deeds. Christ’s return will be like the days of Noah.

…in the (sic) days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. Matthew 24:38

We will be engaged in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life. When Christ comes two will be on the factory floor (sic); one will be taken and one will be left. Two will be shopping together in TJMax (sic); one will be taken and one will be left. Matthew 24:40

Whether you are accepted or left depends upon your thoughts, words, and deeds. This is why Jesus warned us to keep awake; Paul directed us to put on the armor of light; and Isaiah implored us to walk in the light of the Lord. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven over 2000 years ago. Do not grow weary during the long wait. Do not let hardships discourage you. Wait with faith. Faithful thinking allows Christ to be born in us today. Talking about our faith introduces God to others. Doing what Jesus asks brings the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Rejoice. Be glad. Walk in the light of the Lord.