Monday, December 16, 2019

Monday, December 16, 2019

Why are you cast down,
O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
 my help and my God.
Psalm 42:11


Christians commonly think of Advent as an exciting time. It is weeks of planning, preparing and anticipating, leading up to the celebratory event of Christmas itself. For many people it is a favorite season of each year. I know that it is a time I love. But that excitement is not the reality for everyone.

For those who have experienced loss or are experiencing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, Advent can be a very disquieting time. Who has not felt this pang of sadness, even fleetingly, in the midst of Advent activities? Sometimes we are aware of the exact cause of this discontent, and sometimes we just feel melancholic or despondent for reasons we don’t fully understand. While around us the setting may seem festive and our friends enthusiastic, we may, in sharp contrast, feel separated and alone. In fact, it may well be that the lights, the music, the smiles that surround us in the holiday season trigger and intensify our dark mood.

This is when we Christians can find solace in our faith. We can remember that God “passes all understanding.” Therefore, when situations that confront us personally are discomforting and inexplicable, we can lift up our souls by faith. We can accept that while loss and anxiety are part of our shared human experience, faith is part of our shared Christian experience. We can remind ourselves and others that we have a compassionate God who will comfort us today and offer hope for our eternal tomorrow.

Dear God, In this Advent season when we find ourselves disquieted by personal issues, help us turn our thoughts to you, remembering that you will restore our saddened souls and overcome human darkness with Christmas light. Amen.

Barbara Speece is a life-long Lutheran and granddaughter of a Lutheran minister. She has been a member of two local churches: Grace Lutheran in Norristown followed by St. John Lutheran in Blue Bell. She has supported Liberty Lutheran by conducting public speaking training for its leaders as well as financial support for its programs.

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