“He’s a great dog!” We adopted a little black dog from the SPCA in October. When I took him for his initial vet visit, I asked the vet what mix of breeds Andre might be. And that is the response I got. “He’s a great dog!” And it is true. Andre is a great dog. He is curious and engaging and social. At the dog park, he makes sure he gets to know all the people as well as all of the dogs. He does not discriminate! He loves to chase his tail and it is just like watching a scene from a cartoon. He has a sweet disposition and there is no aggression or hostility at all in his temperament. Andre is one year old, has short black hair and weighs about 35 pounds. The vet is exactly right. He is a great dog.
But someone gave Andre up. Someone evidently decided that he was too much work. He was too active. He was too energetic. And given that Andre cowers when the broom comes out for sweeping, or when he sees a long stick (like a yard stick) in a human hand, or when a person puts a hand up in the air, it seems like our dear sweet Andre had been hit at his previous home.
To me, Andre is perfect. He’s a great dog. But evidently his previous owner did not feel the same way. And that is sad, even though I benefit from the bad judgment of Andre’s first family.
This Advent as we celebrate “Glad tidings of great joy to ALL people,” we realize that even though the tidings are just that, some people just will not be able to see it. They won’t let themselves see the good. They choose not to affirm the blessings right in front of them. They simply won’t let themselves experience the joy, love and hope of the gospel. They fight it; instead choosing despair and cynicism. We all know people like this. In fact, we all may be those people from time to time.
The church should be constantly reminding us of the goodness of God, the love that surrounds us, and the awe of each and every day of life. The church should be where we are reminded of justice and peace and abundance for all people, not just some people. Of course if it is just for some people, it is “just us” not “justice.”
The glad tidings of great joy to ALL people are always present. If we don’t feel that, then we need to look harder. We need to get rid of what is blocking our vision. And we need to make sure we are engaged with the church because the faith community will help us to bring those glad tidings into focus.
Prayer: There are always glad tidings of great joy to be appreciated and celebrated. Sometimes we don’t hear those voices. Sometimes they are drowned out by other messages. May we rely on the church to witness to those glad tidings. May we help each other to hear them throughout the year. Amen.
P.S. If you want to meet Andre, come to our solstice party Friday night. He’ll be waiting to greet you.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 