4 December Thessalonians 3:9-13
Where do we encounter the holy song of the angels? Paul writes to the Christians in Thessalonica because he has received wonderful news of their faith and love – not via a voice from heaven but from his colleague Timothy. He is overwhelmed with delight and joy, and he can’t wait to see them again.
He encourages them to pay attention to each other in the same way, delighting in each other’s growing love for the Lord and strengthening each other in holiness. He wants them to build each other up in faith as they share the good news of God’s love.
These words speak of overflowing, heartfelt joy at the good news of the Kingdom. This Christmas, we are invited to ‘hush the noise’ and attend to those who bring that good news today. In the midst of a cacophony of trouble and sadness, it’s not always easy to pay attention to the softer voices which speak of holiness and love. Yet they are there.
I’ve heard the voice of a very elderly minister, living with dementia, singing with me of what a friend we have in Jesus. I’ve heard the laughter of the children at Whalley Range as they run to the front of church to put their family’s offering in the basket. I’ve seen a non-verbal young woman signing to ‘My Lighthouse’, her face shining with joy. This Advent, hush the noise and attend to God’s messages of hope and love.
Caroline Wickens
God of hope, help us to turn down the high-volume soundtrack of clamour and give ourselves space to notice your world-changing presence in the small pointers to your holy Kingdom, present among us.
Amen
