The fact that nearly every social media post and every news report on television screams a reminder of the horrific tragedy last Friday in Connecticut.
The fact that my husband steps into a public school everyday and works with middle schoolers, often undisciplined, unstable, unpredictable middle schoolers.
The fact that my uncle remains in the hospital after a week's stay, fighting for his life and facing surgery tomorrow from a staph infection, finally identified and located in his spine.
The fact that days before Christmas, my friend's young son, also waits in the hospital, recovering from serious surgery following his year-long battle with bone cancer.
The fact that another dear friend is nursing her husband back to health after his near-death accident, falling 24 feet, head-first off a ladder, onto a concrete driveway. Never did my friend expect hanging a wreath above a garage would lead to her husband's jaw being wired shut, missing teeth, broken bones, and a near loss of his life.
The fact that another friend's desperate wish to have her adopted son home from India before Christmas appears to be dimming.
The fact that I know of three precious women, newly and unexpectedly widowed this Christmas, facing the days and traditions ahead without their husbands, alone.
The fact that I continue to read from organizations about more children being taken, tortured and trafficked against their will, every hour, here and across the globe.
The fact that so many of my friends and family members have succumbed to seasonal illnesses such as the flu and stomach bugs.
And finally, the fact that in one day we seem to be losing light in our house--with a third of the Christmas lights on one of our trees burned out and two prominent lamps' bulbs as well.
Staring at the tree and the lamps, I can't help but feel the same. A little less shiny. A little less bright. Struggling to stay lit, fighting against the darkness. Dimming in the midst of today.
On the radio, Christmas carols play. One in particular catches my attention. The tune is popular and inviting. But today, I struggle with the lyrics, meaning what I sing.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."
Is it? Wonderful? Isn't it supposed to be?
So, why is it so hard to believe this week, particularly in light of recent events? Especially in such darkness?
My pastor asked this question of us yesterday, "How does God respond to darkness?"
His answer: "Jesus".
Why? Because He's the Light of the world. And light always threatens darkness.
Jesus. Immanuel, "God with us". He was here thousands of years ago because we needed Him then. He's here today because we need Him now. Desperately need Him now.
In this dark world, we still have the chance to be brighter. Brighter than the evil and uncertainty that surrounds us.
"...declaring the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."
1 Peter 2:9
So, today I go back to the prophecy of Scripture. I exchange my struggling thoughts and struggling questions to Someone who can counsel me.
Not just any counselor. A Wonderful Counselor.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
He is wonderful when the world is not. His wonderful act of coming to us, rescuing us from the darkness of our sin, gave us the light of life. And because of Him, we are given a wonderful life. Forever.
Focusing on that truth, celebrating His wonderful acts and wonderful works on our behalf, reminds me what this season truly is...the most wonderful time of the year.
No comments:
Post a Comment