If you have a teenage girl in your family or have watched any form of mainstream television this holiday season, you know the name Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber has become extremely famous over the past few years as the latest “teen sensation” and by virtue of that title he is a heart throb for many young girls. Bieber posted youtube videos of himself singing and playing numerous instruments and was discovered by an agent in 2008. Since then, he has become a platinum-selling, Grammy nominated artist. He has created his own perfume (which, by the way, the holiday commercials were hilarious), authored a book, and made numerous appearances on television shows and holiday specials singing alongside well-known artists like Carlos Santana and Mariah Carey. So why does this young artist attract so many teenage hearts? Justin Bieber is certainly in the world’s spotlight. His story inspires many to follow their dreams and not lose hope. People come from afar to see his concerts and live performances. However, I cannot help but think of the countless artists who were once heart throbs who are now “Dancing with the stars.” How long until Bieber’s fame and fortune pass away?
In the Old Testament reading from Mass this morning, Isaiah reminds us that there is one and only heart throb worth following and paying homage to as he prophesies Christ entering into this world. Christ enters in the most humble of ways—a poor woman and her husband give birth to our Lord in a manger. However, there is such beauty in this:
“Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” (Isaiah 60)
Isaiah is not referring to Justin Bieber as a heart throb, or anyone in this world for that matter. Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s radiance and light shining in the darkness of the world. Once we allow ourselves to see past the limelight, past the fame and fortune, past the passing things of this world, we can see the face of God. How amazing the sight must have been for the magi—more radiant than any flawless diamond or jewel. The heavenly music sung and played by the angel choirs are beyond words (I’d take that music over Justin Bieber’s anyday!) They saw the radiance of pure love within their midst and their hearts throbbed and were overjoyed.
Allow Christ to be your heart throb-his light will shine when all else fades. He cannot be our flavor of the week or our passing teen sensation-his glory goes beyond all fame. We must only follow the stars that lead us to him, where our hearts will throb and be overflowed with his grace, mercy, and love.
No comments:
Post a Comment