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What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him (John 2:11).

This Advent, we are focussing on Immanuel. During the first week, we looked at a variety of Old Testament stories in which God showed up on this earth. These gave us hints of what would happen when Jesus finally arrived. Last week, we meant to look at the nativity stories. But we ended up spending several days immersed in John 1:14.

This week, we are going to head deeper into the gospels to see what else there is regarding the theme of Immanuel in the life of Jesus. We are not going to get far, today. Reflecting on John 1:14 got me thinking about the Wedding at Cana.

There is significant mystery in this story. There is no mention of who the happy couple are or why Jesus and his disciples and his mother are even there. There is no explanation as to why Jesus tells his mother its not his time, but then does a miracle anyway. Everything focuses on the problem and its solution.

The problem is that the wine has run out. This was simply not allowed. Hospitality was paramount in Jewish culture and a wedding with out wine\u2026that was the worst of the worst. It would be the story of the town for generations.

But Jesus intervenes and provides an abundance of excellent wine. And I do mean an abundance. The six stone jars that are suddenly filled with wine have a combined capacity of over 700 litres.

John tells us why he included this story in his gospel. It was the first of the signs through which Jesus revealed his glory. The glory of God\u2019s kingdom revealed in an abundance of wine? \u201cIs that wise?\u201d you might ask.

Well yes, it is. It says two things about God\u2019s kingdom. First, it is a kingdom of plenty. Many Christians in North America wonder, if we ought to feel guilty about the abundance of wealth we possess, compared to most of the residents of this globe.

Its good to ask such a question. But the answer is that we do not need to feel guilty. Everywhere in the Bible, God\u2019s kingdom is shown to be a kingdom of plenty. Guilt should not be our reaction to our wealth. Rather, a true understanding of God\u2019s kingdom causes us to become generous. If God has plenty, then we can share what we have because God can replenish our bank accounts. That, I think, is, a least in part, what Paul communicates in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. It\u2019s worth the read.

The second thing this story tells us about God\u2019s kingdom is that it is characterized by joy. Years ago, I was walking alongside some colleagues who were struggling with their churches. They just couldn\u2019t get on the same page as the leadership. It was painful to watch. I remember wondering if it was alright for me to be enjoying ministry so much, because I really was.

Then a retired pastor told me that it was permitted to enjoy ministry. He reminded me that the kingdom of God is one of joy. Jesus brought joy with him.

The second Sunday of Advent was about \u2018Joy\u2019. I think we should write it on our ornaments again, along with abundance. Let these words fill us with longing for the fulness of God\u2019s kingdom. Many things in this life do not bring us joy, and at times they do seem overwhelming. Write joy and abundance on your ornament and look forward. Our tears will be exchanged for dancing. It is the promise of God.

As for something to do? How about sharing some of your resources with those who have less? Or maybe, when you receive a gift from someone, receive it with grace, recognizing that God is inviting you to enjoy a taste of his kingdom.