Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.
Isaiah 35:3-4

Everyone, I think, knows the old Sunday School stand-by, “Jesus Loves Me”, but I wonder how many have come across the wonderful lyrics written for Seniors? Among the verses of this version are these: 

Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him…
Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in his I’ll go…

This text from Isaiah, like the revised version of Jesus Loves Me, begins with an acknowledgement of things that are part of life as we age, hands and knees get weaker and our steps slow. Sight grows dim, hair loses color and our hearts become fearful. But Advent reminds us of the promise that Isaiah spoke and that God enacted being born to us.

Here is your God! Strength in times of weakness. Calm to fearful hearts. Light in times of darkness. Hope when all seems lost.

Just like the simple song declares, “Yes, Jesus Loves me”, the season of Advent declares that God’s promise to come is realized in a manger, as angels sing, and shepherds quake, and Mary ponders.

Do not fear- Unto us will be born a Savior, who is Christ our Lord. How different to face all of the changes and chances of aging are when faced with that blessed assurance!

Stir up your power, O God of all ages, come to us when we are weak, feeble and afraid. Be our strength and peace. Every day fill us with your light. Come, Jesus, Word made flesh- save us. Amen. 

The Rev. Ghislaine Cotnoir is Director of Pastoral Care at The Artman Home & The Hearth at Drexel.

Click here to download you full 2018 Advent Devotional