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Here we are, halfway through December once again. We’re checking all the lists: the gift lists, the to-do lists, the grocery lists. I’m a person who loves lists, they ground me and help me make a plan. But this December I’ve been dreading even making the lists, let alone taking the necessary action to complete them.

This messy world does that to us, it takes order and makes it drudgery. It’s easy to find yourself bogged down this time of year, scattered and moving too fast, maybe even discouraged or angry, frustrated with the unrealized consistency you hoped for this Advent.

And that’s why the church in her wisdom reminds us of what’s coming, the birth of a Savior and the promise of eternal life. She reminds us to Rejoice!

As we read in the First Reading from Zephaniah,

“Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!

Sing joyfully, O Israel!

Be glad and exult with all your heart,

O daughter Jerusalem!

The LORD has removed the judgment against you

he has turned away your enemies;

the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,

you have no further misfortune to fear.

On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:

Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!

The LORD, your God, is in your midst,

a mighty savior;

he will rejoice over you with gladness,

and renew you in his love,

he will sing joyfully because of you,

as one sings at festivals.”

Zephaniah 3:14-18

Fear not, do not be discouraged, be glad, shout for joy. He will sing joyfully because of YOU.

In the second reading from St. Paul to the Philippians, he doubles down on this Old Testament instruction.

“Brothers and sisters:

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.”

Philippians 4:4-7

Have no anxiety at all.

This week it feels like the scriptures are shaking us, speaking loudly so we can hear. Do not be discouraged by your messy house. Have no anxiety at all about your shopping list. Don’t worry about your meal prep or your decorations. Don’t fear, don’t worry, don’t fret. The Lord delights in you.

So, Rejoice – love itself is coming.

He doesn’t ask for a decorated tree or homemade cookies. He doesn’t require wrapped gifts or a gourmet meal. He wants your heart, He wants you to spend eternity with Him, and He wants you to spread the love He brings to the ends of the earth.

Gaudete, He is near.