Long lay the world in sin and error pining,’Til he appeared, and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…
The words of this Christmas carol speak to the days we are now having. We are weary of constant change and cancellations. So very tired of filling in as our kids’ teachers, while doing our own jobs from home, in the middle of a mess we have no time to clean. I am drained from living in mild daily fear that my decisions could cause someone else to get ill or miss out on opportunities. I am exhausted worrying about what the future will hold for my kids. Will they go back to school, will their favorite summer camp be cancelled? Will our Senior have a semi-normal graduation or be able to attend college and experience it normally? Some may be wondering, will our jobs still be there when this is over? Will we have enough money this Christmas?
The fears, weariness, and sadness could overwhelm if I let my eyes stay there and focus on the loss, the what if’s, the whys, and the why nots. Winter, though cold and with little sunlight, always leads to new life, new birth, and warmer days. There is light at the end of this tunnel, we can know this without a doubt. God’s promises to us remind us the light has always been there and will lead us through these dark times.
God, himself is all that we long for. He is hope, love, joy, and peace. He is forgiveness, strength, comforter, and power.
“for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
Lamentations 3:23 God’s mercies are new every morning, great is his faithfulness.
Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light. Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.
This Christmas, may we be reminded of the light that has always been there and is there for us every day. As we look in awe at the twinkling lights on our trees and in our neighborhoods, we see a glimpse of this warmth and light.
Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
May we all look to the light of Christ which can offer hope, and comfort as we wait for better days. We can fix our eyes on him, knowing that there is light at the end and this will not be forever. May the light and love of Christ be yours this Christmas and always.
