“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Lk. 2:10-11) – “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Lord Jesus, as 2022 winds down, for many of us, dread and fear come a bit easier than relaxing and dancing. Heavy hearts beat inside us, even as Andy Williams, Amy Grant, Johnny Mathis, and Michael W. Smith serenade us with “It’s the Most Beautiful Time of the Year.” They aren’t wrong; but that’s not all that’s going on this year.
In particular, I woke up today concerned for those for whom the normal challenges and disappointments of life-in-a-fallen-world are just harder. My head still spins, my heart breaks, and my anger boils over the war in Ukraine. Close friends will bury loved ones a week before Christmas. Long Covid is getting longer for other friends. Unforeseen career disruptions and clearly seen images on X-Rays and MRI’s, make the angels’ announcement—“Do not be afraid!”… all the more timely, necessary, and precious this year.
Jesus, being honest with you is always best; and being empathic and present with each other is the way of the Gospel. We are grateful that fearing and hoping “meet and greet” in you. They are friends, not enemies. Joy and weariness mingle in your presence; they don’t have to take turns. You have us, you hold us, you love us. Your incarnation is our Father’s declaration that everything broken has an expiration date, and the Day of all things new is closer than we realize. May it be so, Lord. So Very Amen.
