PODCAST
Sorrow and Rejoicing
December 7th, 2019
Proverbs 8:12-30
Christmas is a time of memories. Each decoration taken out of storage, each family tradition, carries with it a story.
Recently, extended family gathered around a dining room table and the conversation turned to favorite Christmas memories. We laughed a lot that evening. But we cried as well. Many of the people in those stories were no longer among us and we grieved.
Some people may approach the Christmas season with fear. Every memory of “what was” sparks renewed grief over what has been lost. They avoid celebrations because they have tired of wearing “happy masks” to cover their pain.
But Jesus who came to us at Christmas is the same Jesus who went to the cross. He understands that lament and rejoicing can co-exist. Isaiah foretold that Jesus would be “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (53:3). We can rejoice in His coming, knowing He understands our sadness and came to restore us to a Kingdom where there will be no more sorrows.
Author: Judith A. Schwanz
December 7th, 2019 at 7:06 am
The scripture does not appear to go with the reading. Same scripture for 2 days now. Maybe I’m missing something.
Thank you.
December 7th, 2019 at 12:14 pm
(I am going to try to present a coherent thought, here.) My name is Mieka Lovelace. Becky – in one sense is right. The verse does not go along with the commentary. But, we can adjust. Isn’t that so much like life. During this time of year we like to read something in relation to the ‘Advent’ story. We think we know all that God has in store for us. God is doing a new thing. One of those things is to remind us of how sovereign God is…especially during this time of year. Many of know that Christmas doesn’t always elicit warm, cheerful thoughts; but angst. The reminder is…about the wisdom God put in His plan of redemption and salvation. This calls us to thank Him for being who He is…; and to thank Jesus for wanting us to experience the loving relationship He has with His Father. I am in awe of how much God loves us. It makes me want to pray to God; and invite Him into every circumstance in my life. Amen.