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One of the most beautiful stories in literature is the French classic, The Little Prince. There are two lines that have an Advent and Christmas message in them. The fox says to the Little Prince at one point, "If you come at four o'clock, I shall begin to be happy at three o'clock." This is the same story of Advent. That is also where the expression, "The Happy Hour" came from, not from sixty minutes in which to get intoxicated before dinner. It is the happy hour of waiting. "If you come at four o'clock, I shale begin to be happy at three o'clock." That is what Advent is about, when you know that Christ is coming and you can go on and start getting happy with dreams of what he can be and do and become.
"Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
That is the message to everyone who is depressed, hurt, beaten, given up, everyone of us who has failed, whose dreams have been burned up. That is the message. Christ is coming. It is just a matter of time. That makes it "The Happy Hour." Now make today a masterpiece.
Prayer: Lights, laughter, candles and warm fires remind us that we are nearing that special day, O God: the day of hope, the day of wonder, the night of promise. May the surprises of this season enrich our families. May those without families hear of your family of faith and come home to the embrace of acceptance, warmth and love. How great is your love, O God, to send us your Son. Bless us now to be a blessing to others. |
