Streets and homes adorned with strands of Christmas lights sparkle and glow. Children have made their lists. The aroma of fresh baked cookies and breads fills the kitchens of many homes. Christmas music of every genre permeates most gathering places. Tis the season for dreams and wishes. A Christmas dreamscape. But in moments of quiet we realize, not yet for all.

I am reminded of a line at the end of the first verse of Psalm 126, “We were like those who dream.”

According to Freud, dreams are wishes. They could be unexpressed or even repressed. But they are wishes, nonetheless. Apart from what happens during sleep, dreams are also hopes: deeply desired goals you may long to fulfill.

When you have lived with unfulfilled dreams for a long period of time, it is often hard to believe that they will ever come true. This seems to be the case for the people here in psalm 126. The people were so amazed by what God did for them that they felt like they were dreaming. It was too good to be true! As they came to realize what was happening, they began to laugh and shout for joy.

God kept the promises to restore the people and renewed their hope. After all the waiting and dreaming, their fortunes were now being restored. Even so, the people remembered and prayed for those in the community whose fortunes had not yet been restored and asked, “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” The psalmist tells us that no matter how long it takes, God will keep God’s promises. And not just for some, but for all people.

We wait here in advent. But Christmas is coming. We dream of a time when Christmas will come for everyone, everywhere. – Pastor Lamont