Laboring in Hope: An Advent Meditation on Psalm 126

When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, 

we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, 

and our tongue with singing: 

then said they among the heathen, 

The LORD hath done great things for them.

The LORD hath done great things for us; 

whereof we are glad.

Turn again our captivity, O LORD, 

as the streams in the south.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, 

shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, 

bringing his sheaves with him.

Our Advent readings for this week remind us that though our labors may be hard, they work toward a hopeful end.  Psalm 126 begins with the recognition that it is God who saves Israel from their captivity, and whose redemption provides the laughter and singing which emerge joyously from their lips.  God’s work of salvation even gives the nations around Israel the opportunity to reflect on the goodness He pours out on His people, and to praise God (either gladly or begrudgingly) for the great things He has done.  It closes with an encouragement to those who continue to labor in tears, that God’s salvation is coming for them as well, just as the harvest comes to those who labor to plant their fields.  Thus, both the one who basks in the presence of God’s salvation, and the one who labors while waiting for that fulfillment to come, give thanks to God with joy and singing for what He has done, and what He has promised to yet to do.

As Christians, we share in this ancient reflection upon God’s works— those He has done, those He is doing, and those He has promised to do in the future.  We remember that God has called the world into existence, continues to sustain it in our present moment, and to bring all things to completion at the end of time.  We remember that He promised to bring to us a Savior descended from our first parents, that He was incarnate of the blessed Virgin Mary, suffered, died, and rose again for our salvation, and has promised to come again at the end of the age.  We remember that God sent His Holy Spirit to speak through the Prophets and Apostles over the course of thousands of years, has left His Spirit with His people in every time and place to guide them into saving faith and repentance in His Word, and has promised to seal us together in His Spirit unto eternal life.  We remember that Christ told His disciples to take up their crosses and follow Him, that the eternal life of every Christian is hidden in the unending life of Jesus Christ, and that even as we die in this world we live forever in His grace, forgiveness, and mercy.  We remember that Jesus established His Church upon His Word and Spirit to the glory of God the Father, that He is present in His power and grace among His people in our age, and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, even to the end of time.  We are a people alive in the promises of God— those He has already fulfilled, those He is currently fulfilling, and those which He will yet fulfill.  Knowing the goodness and the promises of our saving God, we press on in every age, through every day, every struggle, toil, and burden, singing and laughing in the joy of our salvation in Christ alone.  Like the countless generations who have come before us and those yet to come, we rest, work, and rejoice in the faithfulness of our saving God.

To you, this Word comes again today.  Have the burdens of your life worn you down, and the sorrows of your time stolen your joy?  Remember the Lord who made you, who seeks you, who saves you, and who preserves your life in His grace forever more.  Remember Him who loved you before the world began, paid for your sins upon the Cross of Calvary, and rose again that you might have forgiveness, life, and salvation in His Name.  Remember as you pick up your cross to follow your saving Lord that He has already walked this path ahead of you, already broken down the gates of hell, conquered death and the devil, and given to you His victory over every dark and dreadful thing.  Remember that the love which sought and saves you, abides with you today, and shall abide with you all the days of eternity.  Leave behind the tears and weeping of hopeless despair, that the joyous song of faith may once more be upon your lips.  Hear your saving Lord as He calls to you from eternity and into your present moment, that you might turn, believe, and live.  Amen.