Vanity of vanities.
The Teacher, or Q'oheleth, explores all aspects of life to find that everything is inherently meaningless. Vanity of vanities, meaningless, all is meaningless, like a chasing after the wind. Everything that seems to hold so much promise, when pushed, turns out to be yet another bitter disappointment.
Vanity of vanities.
Look at life, we spend so much time pursuing pointless things, keeping up on celebrities, sports games, trying to be popular, to look a certain way, trying to achieve at the things we are in, get good grades, win trophies, scholarships, bursaries, awards and accolades. We are all enslaved to the pointless dance of trying to make meaning out of our meaningless lives.
Vanity of vanities.
I've run myself ragged lately trying to achieve. I'm so busy that I don't enjoy anything that I do, yet I am commended for doing all that I do. People look to me as a leader, I know everyone, and I find it impossible to say no to any request.
Vanity of vanities.
If everything is meaningless, what's the point? Should we not all succumb to the natural conclusions of nihilism? Or perhaps we must continue in our deluded existentialism, denying the vanity of existence and forcing our reality to take on a semblance of dignity.
Vanity of vanities.
No. Today is the start of Advent, the beginning of the Church year and a time of anticipating the coming of a Saviour. Our pursuits may be meaningless, yet there are many things in this life that make life worth living. A sunrise, a good cup of tea, a beautiful line of poetry, fresh snow, a smile from a friend. As vain and meaningless as these might be, they are good.
Vanity of vanities?
The Teacher reminds us to remember the Creator of our youth, to cling to the one who gives meaning and purpose to our truly vain and obscene little lives. We remember, and anticipate, for soon, Emmanuel will be here. And so we wait, appreciating the small, sublime moments of bliss, and knowing that purpose, meaning and life are here in the waiting.
