I have been a little gloomy lately. I miss smiles. I actually miss seeing faces in general, even the non-smiling ones. It seems every day brings at least one tale of sadness, of a job lost, of worsening anxiety or depression, or of a seriously ill loved one. When faced with such sorrow I give what encouragement I can, but many times I feel there are no words to say.
I have even grown tired of watching the evening news, as it has become just another way for more darkness to enter our lives. Reports of rising hospitalizations and death tolls, of businesses failing, and holidays cancelled, make us feel as we live in a world filled with the hopeless. What can we do?
I wonder if an answer may not be found In the story of another nation in a distant time, a nation oppressed and also seemingly hopeless. Government rule made their daily lives a struggle. They were heavily taxed and had no right to complain. Their trusted leaders were not worthy of trust, often taking the side of their oppressors and adding to their troubles.
It seems the answer to our troubles right now might be the same as theirs. To them, the people of Israel, a promise had been given hundreds of years earlier-
“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish… The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9
They needed Christmas, the birth of their Savior. They needed hope, a reason to look beyond the gloom of their circumstances and to a future of freedom, joy and peace. They didn’t see it coming, but nonetheless their Savior came, the One True Light, shining forth in their darkness.
The message of Christmas remains the same today. A Savior has come, bringing good news of great joy for all people. Love, hope, peace, and joy remain and endure, free to all who will accept them. I cannot think of a time in my life when this message was more needful.
Today we joined many of our neighbors in beginning our celebration of Christmas. We hung our lights, hung a wreath and set up our nativity scene. We broke out our Christmas tree and this evening watched White Christmas.
As we did, perhaps just for a season, I felt some of the gloom fade and even a touch of joy.
Bart
Sent from my iPad