I confess, it has been difficult for me to think of what to write about this month. A time of great joy is upon us...or at least that's what many people say about this time of year. There is Christmas cheer in the stores and on TV. There is the rich anticipation and then celebration of the birth of Jesus. Smiles and joy are everywhere, right?
Well...not everywhere. I am so very aware, this year, of the sorrow in many people's lives. Loss is, unfortunately, all around...especially for those who struggle with illness, the death of a loved one, the reduction of income, and the uncertainty of what the future holds.
Because the Christmas message seems to be one of joy, we may be tempted to withdraw in December if we are not feeling particularly joyful. Or, we may be tempted to marginalize or else to force happiness on others if they do not seem appropriately joyful.
However, sorrow and loss are all a part of our human condition, together with joy and happiness. This is the very same human condition that God chose to enter into through the birth of Jesus. Christmas, therefore, is a time to remember that God chose to share in our human condition. And, with God as our guide, we, in turn, can choose to share in the lives of those around us.
Therefore, no matter where we find ourselves this Christmas season, the message is really the same. If we are experiencing joy or happiness this Christmas season, we can give thanks that God entered this world to share in our human experience and continues to be with each of us. And, if we are experiencing sorrow or loss this Christmas season, we can give thanks that God entered this world to share in our human experience and continues to be with each of us. Finally, through it all, we can be ready to share in the lives of others in whatever ways are needed. In this way, we all receive and give the true gift of God's love – this Christmas season, and always.
Listen...God is calling...and God is here...
Prayer Request*
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LET'S PRAY
by Victoria Flood
Come Worship With Us
Trinity Lutheran Church
