It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Who says that? Who thinks that?

The shopping malls and the spinning DJs and the airport terminals?

Like we aren’t terminal.

Like we don’t love people who are dying.

Like hibernating hate didn’t wake up when we were half asleep.

Like all the little children in the world are going to join hands and sing.

Like hurricanes do no harm.

Like we aren’t afraid.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Who says?

The 24-hour cycle of cynicism on CNN…or Fox…or CNBC?

The FB posts and the Twitter feeds of people who have forgotten how to talk to people?

But listen…listen!

Whatever you are thirsty for, there is water in the waiting.

If you are hungry, there is food for you here.

For our God is in it.

Our God is in it all.

And the celebration of the coming of the Christ (who is God with us) is nothing but joy.

Take that, hopelessness!

Take that, apathy!

Take that, injustice!

Advent is a defiant stand against a world that claims we are lost.

A world that claims that all is lost

Advent calls us to go out with joy and be led forth in peace.

Let’s do it.

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Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.