Advent December 2020

Prelude to conversation…

The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.                                                                                    Masanobu Fukuoka, Japan

When I read this there is a trickle of excitement… of YES! …of Joy …which touches my heart.
Here is someone who understands that every activity of industry, agriculture, science, art, commerce, government and even religion is for the cultivation and perfection of human beings.

When seen in this way…there is great purpose in whatever engages us.  The purpose of our living…is to bring fulfillment to every other person.  What we do to bring this fulfillment produces Joy for them… and for us.

Christmas is the ultimate story of this kind of life which produces Joy.  Mary gives birth and she and Joseph come to know the Joy of life.  Shepherds come and when they leave they share the story of great Joy.  Wise ones come and leave gifts and in that act they know the Joy of giving.  Angels sing Joy to the world.  And as we come close to the substance of the story…
we too come to know the Joy of life, the Joy of Hope, the Joy of giving, the Joy of singing our hearts out.

Paul Robinson has written on Joy in this way:

At the top of the stairs, that’s where we all stand
With anticipation so strong and so grand
Like children we wonder what’s under that tree
What presents are there, both for you and for me.

Top of the stairs, Lord, we’re hanging around
Wondering what’s down there,  what’s there to be found
Longing for more things to fill us with joy
Yet doubting there’s hope in just one more nice toy.

At the top of the stairs looking way down below
There must be some hope there, it’s starting to grow
Yet many long years we’ve been stuck at the top
Hoping that deep longing some day will stop.

Top of the stairs, Lord, we’re hanging around
Wondering what’s down there,  what’s there to be found
Longing for more things to fill us with joy
Yet doubting there’s hope in just one more nice toy

At the top of the stairs we are waiting for life
and hoping for something to end all the strife
the gift that we need isn’t under a tree
it’s God’s peace and love both for you and for me

Top of the stairs, Lord, we’re hanging around
Wondering what’s down there,  what’s there to be found
Longing for your peace to fill us with joy
And knowing you love every girl and each boy

And so we wait for Christmas Joy…

In dwelling, live close to the ground.  In thinking, keep to the simple.  In conflict, be fair and generous.  In governing, don’t try to control.  In work, do what you enjoy. 
In family life, be completely present.
Lao Tzu (6-4 BC), China

In this too is Joy!

Joy to the World!

-Rev. Ted Anderson