Lectionary readings for today:

Morning Psalms 18:1-20; 147:12-20

First Reading Isaiah 7:1-9

Second Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Gospel Luke 22:1-13

Evening Psalms 126; 62

PSALM 126

1   When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, 

         we were like those who dream. 

2   Then our mouth was filled with laughter, 

         and our tongue with shouts of joy; 

    then it was said among the nations, 

         “The LORD has done great things for them.” 

3   The LORD has done great things for us, 

         and we rejoiced.

Over morning coffee and breakfast, Mariko and I often talk about our dreams. Sometimes the dreams are scary or disturbing. One night Mariko had an intense gun fight and used stealth ninja skills to protect her brother from evildoers. Another time, I dreamed a grizzly bear attacked my brother’s sweet boxer dog Vera.

Other dreams are random or hilarious.  I once dreamed I could jump really high then fly like a bird and propel through the sky to see the world from way up high.

There are times when life itself feels like a dream.  Painful, sad, or overwhelming things happen, and I wish I could wake up and it not be real. Conversely, some circumstances go so uncannily and wonderfully well, that I feel the need to pinch myself to see if I am just having a marvelous dream, as it seems too good to be true!

As this December signals the nearing close of the year, I reflect back on the months, days, and moments experienced this year and remember the “I wish I was dreaming…” difficult moments along with the “I MUST be dreaming!” joy-filled moments.  Through it all, like the Psalmist, I see that the Lord has done great things for us.

• New friendships have sprouted.  So did vegetables in our summer garden – tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant!
• Wounds are beginning to heal, and God’s deep compassion soothes.
• “God-rays” of hope shined through dark clouds in moments threatened by despair.
• Hiking through mountains and forests has given reflections on beauty and peace.

As you reflect back on the moments of your year through possible nightmares or sweet dreams, may you see the great things God has done.   And in this Advent season, let’s remember why He came.

——

Sweet Jesus, you came down that we may have hope.

You came down that we may have peace.

You came that we may have joy.  Help us to see the great things you have done.  

Thanks for coming….   Amen

-Rachel Smith