Bearing joy

The Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice
Philippians 4:4

I finally stop and really look. I have been walking by the Christmas cactus in our office all day, really all week, and have not taken in its splendor. But it is worth pausing for—it has bloomed outrageously. My colleague and I agree; we have never seen it this full of color before, and it has been here for years, faithfully putting forth flowers in due season.

My pause becomes a linger and then a loiter as I revel in the extravagant beauty. There is something that seems almost unAdvent about its abandon. Then I recall the great Advent prophet John the Baptist, who calls us to bear fruit worthy of repentance. I think of bearing fruit, not only producing the repentance, but also of carrying it out into the world.

I capture the blossoms in my heart and bear them with me as I go on my way, rejoicing.