Pastor’s Paragraph - December 10, 2020
Most years as an adult, I’ve picked a word or two to focus on, or a word picks me. Some of the words have been more challenging than others. Listen and surrender are ones that I find very humbling and often seem to be the foundation for other words. A few years ago when I went through a pretty low time of depression, my counselor directed me to the word joy when she offered me the reminder that “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” That helps me find groundedness in the midst of confusion, exhaustion, and struggle. It reminds me that I do not, and actually cannot, carry things on my own. Strength comes from that deep trust in the God who leads us with love and compassion.
This year I have also found encouragement in the idea that joy is an act of resistance. Many years ago, I remember hearing a choir share that nothing can take our joy away. Much will come and go. Much is uncertain. Yet we can find joy in God’s unconditional love and grace. That does not mean that we will always feel happy. We can feel all the feelings while still being strengthened by God as our joy – and our hope, love, and peace – God as our all in all – our Rock and Redeemer – our sure and steady foundation. In these days, I also encourage you to give yourself space to mourn and grieve. I have felt a collective grief, and I while I trust that joy will come in the morning, I sense that I will be best when I actively remain in this season of expectant waiting without rushing past lament. The one who we will welcome once again into our lives as a precious newborn when Christmas comes, grew up to teach us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
May you feel God’s comfort. May you feel God’s healing at work in the world and in all the places of hurt and brokenness. May you feel God holding you wherever you are and in the midst of whatever you are facing and feeling. You are loved. You are not alone. You matter to God, and God has designed you with purpose!
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
Luke 1:46-55
