A risky question

"Joy" is the theme of the 3rd Sunday of Advent. Our scripture texts focused on this. Zephaniah 3:14-20 speaks of how God rejoices over the faithful remnant of Israel, and ends with a promise of God bringing the remnant home. But then we have Luke 3:7-18 where Joh is calling for repentance. How does this fit with Joy? Pastor Barbara Moyer Lehman explained that repentance is not just an emotion, not just feeling badly and saying "sorry". Repentance is about changing your life. John responded to the questions people asked by telling them how to change their lives and behavior. Pastor Barbara asked us, "What must we do to repent and change?" Are we willing to risk asking that question individually and as a congregation? Can we view John's call to repentance as a cause to celebrate?