So many of the things we do from day to day are done really not so much for the immediate satisfaction to be found in doing them, but rather to pave the way for something else. So these Advent Scripture readings really do speak to the heart. And that is true as well with the Advent theme that is particularly strong this weekend. The theme is joy, happiness. Not only is our salvation something which we accept in faith and await in hope, it is something about which we should be very glad.
Happiness is a universal human goal.
Certainly no one of us would claim that we don't want to be happy. Actually, the intensity of the happiness that these readings tell us is within the grasp of a believer is pretty consistent with the tone of the whole Advent season. Make ready His path. Now those are words which themselves can stir up in us a sense of excitement. They are words which seem to call the people to great acts of heroism, fantastic achievements.