God's delight

Surprises are one of God’s delights for humankind. Throughout scripture we find that, when the People of Israel and the followers of Christ least expected something, God’s delight presented an opportunity to which they needed to respond. I imagine that it was no real surprise for Joseph and Mary to find no room for them to stay and birth their child. Yet where they end their journey must have taken them by surprise. Not just the accommodations but the rough, tough, rude shepherds suddenly appearing at the stable door. They told stories of lights and voices from the sky that announced a birth, about which they couldn’t and wouldn’t have known, was it not for God’s delight.

Imagine the shepherds surprise when Holy noise filled the night! Legend, story, and myth lace the traditions that we have learned and passed on of that night: animals talking, or a cat in the manger for warmth of the Holy infant. Neither is beyond the power of God but God’s delight was in bringing salvation through a child destined to be the Savior by sacrifice.

God’s delight comes in a variety of forms in our modern lives. Most likely the night sky over the fishing ground will not break open to reveal a herald of angels announcing that universal peace has come to the world; however the divine delight makes itself know in that still quiet voice in the hearts of those who are ripe for the working of the Spirit within them. Watch out, you never know when the power of God will break through all that you know as ordinary everyday life to reveal a delight of the Almighty to which you will need to respond.

The Rev. Wilson Valentine

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church