It’s kind of a mixed up season, Advent. For some, it’s already Christmas time, and celebrations begin right after Thanksgiving. For others, it’s a time of waiting and anticipation, expecting something wonderful just ahead. 

For me, it’s a HOSANNA season. 

Hosanna is a funny word, with two different meanings. 

On the one hand, it’s a Hebrew word הוֹשִׁיעָה־נָּא (Hoshia na) which means “save us” or “please save”. But in the New Testament, Hosanna became a cheer, like Hallelujah. That began when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and people cried out “Hosanna” to him. That meant that they had begun to believe that salvation was no longer something to be pined for. It was riding down the street in front of them. No longer coming, but HERE!

I feel that bifurcation right now, today. I see the kind of country we live in, with our military apparently willing to murder, our leaders full of lies, Americans cheering at the kidnapping of innocent immigrants, “Christians” happy to see food snatched away from poor and disabled people, and I must cry out “Hosanna, please, save us from this travesty!” Many of us join in crying out, “If ever there was a moment when the goodness of God is urgently needed, it is now!” 

And at the same time I see gentle friends gathered for midweek soup supper and to sing and pray the Vespers service. And I see that Christ is here among us, and we are his body. And again I say “Hosanna! Praise to the King of truth!”  No matter what the world deals out, it will be ok. 

May The Lord bless this season of preparation for Christmas, filling you with hope, peace and joy, and a holy confidence that goodness will prevail.