7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 45:7-8, NRSV
The story of Joseph reveals the process that he endures to actualize his dreams. His father, who favors him above his older brothers, gives him a robe that symbolizes power and authority. And later that gesture is enforced by Joseph’s prophetic dreams that signify his impending leadership position.
However, as the story unfolds, Joseph experiences some major challenges and setbacks. In fact, it seems like his life is heading in a completely different direction! And many of us may relate to that.
In our own lives, it may seem like things are not going as planned, that our dreams will never come to fruition. It may be that we have many obstacles before us and we are unsure if we have the stamina, resources, or skills to move beyond them. But the story of Joseph offers us hope.
We have hope that God is using our struggles, our confusion, and the heart breaking moments that we may experience to shape and mold our hearts to be the people God has called us to be in the positions that God has for us. Joseph teaches us that something good emerges from the bad. And it may be that the struggle is part of the plan as we go through the process of becoming the people that God is making us to be.
I speak more on the struggles of the process of actualizing our dreams in the video below.
May God be with you, bless you, and give you strength.
Rev. Karen Jenkins
Be Encouraged! (disclaimer- I have not edited the video. It is what it is. Blessings! 😉
Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy (Pro 31:8-9, NRSV).
Anti-racism seems to be the barometer for what it means to be Christian in America. In African American theology (which is not opposed to, contradictory to, or antithetical to Western Christian theology or American theology), freedom or liberation, and reconciliation have always been two major themes of Christianity.1 And we see those themes presiding in black history- in the Civil Rights era and black power movements- which are the origins of that theology. Blacks, in history, have read the Bible from a liberation perspective when seeking freedom from oppression and discrimination, and full equal rights as citizens in the country in which they live. They saw the gospel of Christ as a means to equality, equity, and solidarity, a means to restore their human dignity and worth, and as a mirror whereby they might identify with a black Christ and black God who are acquainted with their suffering and seek to release them from cultural captivity, and restore them to a holistic participatory and flourishing place in society.
Today, I watched a video of Rep. John Lewis speaking at the March on Washington. I have never heard of him before today, when I heard of his passing. How unfortunate to have not known about him until now. It makes me wonder, ‘who are other prominent figures that are fighting (or have fought) for the freedom of African Americans in our nation to create a society based on justice, equality, and solidarity?’
Everything Rep. John Lewis said all those years ago during the Civil Rights era still ring true today, and maybe even more so. I found his speech empowering because it helps one to see where black theology comes from.
If we listen carefully to Rep. John Lewis’s speech, we will hear the themes of freedom and reconciliation that are found in black history, religion, identity, experience (e.g., racism, unjust laws, poverty, homelessness, police brutality, and unjust justice system) reason, culture, and truth found in the Scriptures. All of those things, and more, are sources for black theology and are highlighted within the two themes; which, if fully understood, reflects true Christianity. For the Gospel of Jesus is good news to the poor (African Americans identify with the poor), who throughout American history, have often been denied freedom to pursue their dreams, and have had barriers put in place to impede their prosperity in life (Luke 4:18-19).
One cannot read the Bible without discerning that God is a God of justice, is for peaceful, non-violent resistance, is a harbinger of good news to the poor and the marginalized, a healer of the sick, a restorer of those who have been denied their rights and have been segregated, and a teacher of equality, solidarity, and compassionate love for all people (who are God’s image bearers). For African American Christians, Christianity is not an oppressive religion that devalues some while valuing others. Christianity is a way of life that seeks to do what is fair and just for those who are treated unfairly and unjustly. Is that not the way of life that the Scriptures teach us to live?
But oftentimes, black theology is viewed by others as an alternative theology. And in Western academia, we rarely, if ever, read contributions by black scholars and theologians. And if we do, they may not be taken as seriously as other Western theologians. To be anti-racist- we must seek out, listen to, and read black scholars and theologians, listen to their sermons, hear their stories, study their theological work in seminaries, stand with them in the fight for justice, march with African Americans in protest, use our voting rights to vote for those who are for black empowerment and liberation, support justice and policing reforms, as well as, reforms in black economic growth, education attainment and advancement, equitable and just medical care, fair housing, meaningful and gainful employment, and support and assist in reforms in all those other arenas in life whereby African Americans may be disproportionately disadvantaged or marginalized due to individual, corporate, or systemic racism. And by doing those things, we will be imitators of Christ.
“Cloud and thick darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the place of his throne.”(Ps 97:2, Karen Jenkins Translation from the Hebrew text)
Because God’s throne is established on the twin pillars of righteousness and justice, God opposes those who establish their thrones on the antithesis of those pillars (i.e., unrighteousness and injustice).
What are the pillars that our lives rest upon? And what are the pillars that the Church is founded on?
Racial discrimination is prevalent in our world and it has aroused many Christians to seek out tangible ways to demolish the chains of injustice in their local communities. However, what is being done to eradicate racism within the Church?
Black pastors and laity who participate in congregational life in predominantly White denominations with predominantly White administrations, often lack support in ministry. And their ability to utilize their spiritual gifts and to operate within their calling is hampered not only when they are made to feel inferior to their White counterparts, but when they are told that they do not fit in, are not given ministry opportunities (or have opportunities taken from them), have their voices silenced when protesting discriminatory practices, and are made to be objects of hatred, contempt, and abuse.
Who are people of color to confide in when those in leadership are not unlike those who have mistreated them? And to whom are Black pastors to confide in about their struggles in White spaces? Furthermore, who will listen to them in a way that does not diminish their experiences but, with humility and grace, acknowledges their grief and responds in a way that mirrors the foundational virtues of God and liberates them to walk fully into their God-given calling?
The Church, in many instances, is a place of racial inequity. For those whose primary concern is to eradicate racism in the world, what are we doing to eradicate it in the Church? And if now is not the time to confront racial hatred, hostility, insults, unfair treatment, and abuses against people of color within the Church, when will the right time be? Perhaps acknowledging and pursuing reparations for such wickedness in the body of Christ will make some uncomfortable. However, Christians are not called to comfortable lives. The Word of God is unsettling and up-setting. It moves us, oftentimes, from places of wickedness to places of righteousness. Let us let God move us.
What is God saying to the Church?
Justice begins in the household of faith first (1 Pet 4:17). Will those of us who call ourselves by God’s name be like God? Will we rest in the fixed place of righteousness and justice and resist falling sway to the fear, hatred, jealousy, envy, manipulation, and spiritual violence that infiltrated the Church centuries ago when Black bodies were controlled possessions exploited for selfish, monetary gain? How far have we come since those days? God wants us to destroy the roots of wickedness that remain within the American Church from such a horrid history.
How will we respond?
Let us respond by respecting the dignity of people of color, making room for their voices, listening with open hearts, and recognizing our common humanity and shared spaces. Let us also respond by mobilizing Black members of the household of God into positions of influence in the body of Christ where they are not intimidated or pressured to assimilate to the prevailing cultural standards, but are enabled to be themselves, unapologetically and courageously. Lastly, let us respond by re-centering our lives around Christ, confidently standing in solidarity with those who have been objects of hatred and neglect, and by being God’s brazen, prophetic voice of justice for those who have experienced injustice.
Let us reflect. What virtues are my life founded upon? Where do I see my attitude, thoughts, and actions governed by such virtues?And what purification is needed in my heart so that what emanates from it is not a source of my own defilement, the defilement of others, or the defilement of the body of Christ?
For whenever I speak, I must cry out, I must shout, “Violence and destruction!” For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.
Jer 20:8, NRSV
Jeremiah seems to dread pronouncing God’s judgement on Israel because of the persecution that it ignites. He stands firm, however, in his proclamation against God’s people who have departed from God and have fallen sway to the temptations to live self-absorbed lives that harm others (either intentionally, inadvertently, or through neglect) while developing, improving, and advancing one’s self.
By refusing to make the needed transformations to realign their selves with God under the terms espoused in the covenant, God’s people will experience a divine disruption and upheaval that will destroy their way of life altogether. And all will be affected by it, the rich, the poor, and even the prophet of God, himself. Jeremiah, although speaking in his own social context, wakens us to consider some things for our present time.
What things are weary of?Are we weary of the protests for reform in America’s justice system, the collective cry for equitable treatment for people of color, or the Word of the Lord that calls us to do what is just and right for those who have been oppressed and treated unfairly?
If we are weary of those things, we need to be reminded that all of humanity is interconnected, God values the lives of those who are marginalized from society, and if we do not take heed to care for one another, all of life will be diminished. That being the case, we are in need of socially disruptive persistence until African American lives carry the same value as those of the predominant culture. Let us not be social media activists, only. But let us promote justice and equality for people of color for the long haul in real, tangible ways.
Thus, from Jeremiah, the unrelenting prophet, we learn that life cannot continue as is, where there are corrupt systems that harm others. And because of that, the Word of the Lord must be proclaimed and engendered if there is to be change. For unless the present way of life ceases, a new life, a new era of equality and solidarity may not commence.
Reflection
What will we do to support that new era and the once disadvantaged people of color who will be valued in it? And how will we respond to pressures to digress from our stance and divest from pursuing the reformations that are needed in our nation to fearlessly advance the lives of African Americans?
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.
How might one’s ethnic origin influence her understanding of Jesus?
Many Christian African Americans in our nation identify with Jesus because of his minority status. Jesus was a minority in many aspects. He was a minority not only because of his ethnicity and culture within the predominant Roman empire, but he was also a minority because of his religious beliefs that were often considered to be antithetical to Judaism by many of the religious elite (Luke 6:7; Matt 9:34). Jesus was also a minority within his own community because of the place where he grew up (John 1:46). Because of his minority status that was compounded by his hardships (Luke 9:58), marginalization (Luke 4:29), and trauma that he experienced (John 19:1-6; Luke 22:44, 63-65; 23:10-11, 36), many blacks have found in Jesus someone who is like them, with them, and for them.
What have you found in Jesus? What aspects of the life and person of Jesus do you resonate with?
In global theologies, each culture may interpret the Scriptures through its own communal biblical worldview. And that is part of the beauty of God’s wonderful design for humanity. God has given each person his or her own set of eyes to see the world through. By understanding theology through a lens unfamiliar to us, we may discover the multi-faceted dimensions of God’s glory in Jesus and his work in each culture and each person, and our own individual theology may broaden. But not only might it broaden our theology, it may open dynamic dialogue between people groups that would otherwise remain segregated from one another. Furthermore, we may learn more about ourselves, God, and those we participate in conversation with. For white Christians in America, that may mean that they would have a better understanding of a black theology that finds camaraderie and cohesion with the suffering Messiah who is also a liberating Messiah who lifts up those who have been cast down (1 Sam 2:8).
Where might such an understanding of lead us?
Jesus offers hope to people of color whose lives reflect that of Jesus’. Unlike most of us who are limited in what we can do in fighting the powers that be, Jesus transcends those powers of darkness, rises above the oppression, rejection, and discrimination of his person-hood and self-worth, and prevails. He prevails by walking in newness of life and offering that same new life to those of us who will be courageous enough to follow him despite opposition, hatred, and violence. We are in search of a realm that extends liberation, is formed by Jesus, and that is regulated by justice, mercy, and peace for all her citizens.
Let us seek that place and enter in.
And let us understand that while we are called to live in harmonious relationships with one another, we do not do so at the detriment of our unique perspectives. For it is our unique perspectives that help each person to see more clearly the person of Jesus and his mission, and God’s complete vision for the world.
From the mouths of infants and nursing children, you established strength (power, might, boldness) for the sake of your being distressed (being bound up), for the ceasing of the adversary (or, the hate) and the avenging of oneself(Psalm 8:2, Karen Jenkins Translation, KJT).
The national and global protests concerning racism has created an opportunity. Now is the time for those who have experienced hatred because of their ethnic origin to share their personal experiences so that the broader public may be aware of its prevalence and, perhaps, be moved to being agents of healing and transformation not only in our work places, churches, government institutions, private institutions, organizations, businesses, and academic settings, but also in biased approaches within systems, structures, and procedures. However, many people of color have been apprehensive about sharing their experiences of racism for a variety of reasons.
Do we create safe places for people of color to share their stories?
Sarah Adams, an eight-grader at East High School speaks at MLK park during BLM rally in Rochester NY, 6/6/20. Photo credit: Jamie Germano, Rocheseter D&C
Many blacks have remained silent concerning racism. Some fear that if they speak up about discrimination or injustice that there may be backlash in the form of losing their employment or leadership positions that they struggled to achieve. They might also fear being ostracized from important groups that have the potential to advance their upward social mobility. And they might fear being labeled as a troublemaker.
Some blacks have also feared speaking about their experiences of racism because of the inablity of others to see it. Some blacks have been told by others that it is unlikely that whatever he or she may have experienced was racism, that what they perecieved were ratially motivated micro-aggressions were not acts of discrimination, hatred, or hostility, and that they were jumping to the wrong conclusions. Furthermore, some blacks may be reluctant to share their stories because of fear of invoking more hatred, aggression, or unjust treatment towards themselves. In sum, many people of color may fear speaking up because of the harm that it may cause them and their families if they do. So, they may stifle their objections, observations, and opinions (including their theological and political beliefs) in favor of not wanting to add undue hardship to their lives by arousing the anger and contempt of those who have contrary worldviews. However, in our present time, with new platforms in public spaces where stories may be shared and people of color may have thier voices heard, we are breaking the silence.
Rochester, NY- photo credit: Jamie Germano, D&CLiberty Pole in downtown Rochester, 6/6/20 -Photo Credit: Jamie Germano
What feelings stir within when people of color voice their protests about perceived racial injustices?
To everything is an appointed time, to everything is a longing under the heavens (Ecc 3:1, KJT). Because of the public platforms, those who are supportive and eager to listen and make necessary attitude and behavioral changes, and those who are bravely sharing their pain and their protest, now is the appointed time for all people of all races to protest racism and racial inequalities in our nation and in our world. We, as a people, long for something more under the heavens. We long for a new era of social reconciliation whereby we do not regress to former unjust patterns of living that benefits the few, but where we move forward to a new age of solidarity that empowers us all. By taking progressive steps forward to make reparations for the racial trauma that many people have suffered, whether personally or vicariously, our children may follow our example and have a more humane and compassionate world in which to mature and thrive.
“Protestors are silent for 8:46 on Park Ave near Berekley Street” in Rochester, NY, 6/7/20. Photo credit: Jamie Germano, D&C
To my black brothers and sisters, I pose a challenge considering Psalm 8:2 (#Psalm8Challenge). As people made in God’s image, be emboldened for the sake of your distress. For too long, many black voices have been bound. But God is saying, “Now is the time for unbinding, now is the time to come out!” By sharing our stories, and by all people groups working together for the common good, hatred may cease. And when hatred ceases, we may enjoy a just, equitable world where all people enjoy the goodness and beauty of God’s creation.
What hinders you from sharing your story? #Psalm8Challenge
Images of the looting in Rochester, NY on 5/31/20 that began after a peaceful protest led by BLM are a symptom of our brokenness
Peace be with You
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:19-23, NRSV)
Jesus, a minority within the bounds of the Roman empire, after being unjustly killed by officers appears to his followers. He appears amid their fear of suffering the same brutal fate as Jesus. But to spur them towards action where they might disbar the evil and injustices prevalent in society, Jesus dispels fear by introducing peace. Why? Because without peace, fear may not be dismantled. And because fear may cause paralysis, trigger animosity and hostility, prompt violent protests, and inhibit God’s purpose for a renewed creation and humanity governed by justice, harmony, and love, fear must be dismantled. Fear must be dismantled if people are to participate in the restoration of the world by being mobilized for action to be harbingers of peace in an often disoriented, disinterested, and disinvested world.
Jesus’ proclamation of peace is a display of what he desires for humanity. Because he desires peace, his mission is to impart peace not only in the form of quelling hatred, violence, and senseless killings, but also by offering security, safety, prosperity, and salvation for those who are oppressed, are traumatized by past and current events, and who are unsure of how to move forward in life because of the barriers put in place that diminishes their humanity, impedes their freedom, restricts their opportunities, and subsequently seeks to darken their futures.
Jesus reveals that he has power to deliver such peace. For though he suffered brutality and death while in police custody, he was enabled by the power of God to rise above such trauma and victimization of his personhood to a new life engendered by peace. And that new life is embodied in a wounded soul, with scars that serve as reminders of his past. And it is those reminders that strengthen his resolve to participate in God’s mission for humanity to live in harmony with God and all others.
Jesus arose to a new life that is not dominated by the power of darkness or death but that is emboldened by the power of God and the life that is found in God’s Spirit. And he offers that to us today as we stand in the wake of mass demonstrations of anguish and grief over the nation’s history of the inhumane treatment of people of color.
The Minneapolis cop who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck until he died on 5/25/20- Memorial DayImage of Breonna Taylor, an EMT worker in Louisville, KY, who was shot eight times by police officers who entered her home on 3/13/20
What is God saying to us today? God is asking us to not ignore the pain and suffering of black communities. God is showing us that the roots of racism grows deep within the fabric of our culture and our nation and is expressed in a range from subtle to blatantly overt forms of discrimination. God is also making us aware of how trauma may be passed on to burden successive generations, and that the side effects of slavery and oppression may manifest themselves in various ways. But God is also revealing to us much more. In God’s light, humanity’s darkness is revealed. What do we see when we look at ourselves? What emotions are stirring within our hearts? When have we experienced such feelings in the past?
Healing and restoration need to occur not only for those who have been made to feel inferior, are harrassed because of the color of the skin, and have had their voices ignored, but also for those who are complacent or who are calloused. Many people are calloused towards racism and its harmful effects, the senseless murders and unjust treatment of black men and women, the barricades erected to hinder the upward social mobility of people of color, and the struggles that many blacks face in America. They may also be calloused towards the anger, anxieties, and other hardships and pain that many blacks in local communities often face in fighting to survive in places that are indifferent to their struggles. God wants us to be aware of that.
God is speaking. God’s purpose for humanity is for us to stand in solidarity with one another, not in opposition, thus propagating disunity, dis-ease, and strife. God wants peace to be with us. And by that peace, we may recongnize the image of God in all people and treat them with dignity and compassion.
Peaceful protest march in Rochester, NY 5/30/20 (before the violence)
What is God saying to us today? God is saying that all is not well with my soul. My soul is hurting. It weeps for my people that I created to display my glory in. And the answer to the healing of humanity resides in Jesus’ offering of peace which is epitomized in people living new lives in harmony with one another that do not ignore the wounds of the past. For it is because of those wounds that humankind may be determined to transform the world into a place where all lives may be illuminated by the truth, and justice may “roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24, NRSV).
On this day of Pentecost, will we hear what the Spirit of God is saying or will God’s voice be unintelligble to us?
21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
Devotion
God places us around people. And we work with people. We also live in communities with people. People are everywhere. We would have to go out of the world to not be around people.
Some people are our friends. Some people pretend to be our friends. Some are not our friends. Some are our friends but may not always be a good friend.
We are also someone’s friend. And we may not always be a good friend. We may also be a bad friend.
So, what is the purpose of friendship? What is the purpose of people and relationships?
Some people are not our friends. And they let us know that they are not our friends by their attitude, words, and actions that often proceed from their inner thoughts about us. They show that they do not like us in verbal and nonverbal ways.
We may sometimes have to endure difficult relationships, relationships where we are made the target of someone’s unkind thoughts, words, or actions. But we are in good company.
Jesus lived in close quarters with his betrayer. The one who dipped his bread in the bowl with him was his betrayer.
So, what are we to do with our betrayer? What are we to do with our adversary?
We may do what Jesus did and let unfold what will unfold, and let God’s will be done. God’s will will be done in the adversary’s life and it will be done in our own life.
We need to be obedient to God’s plan for us, to be who God has made us to be. And by doing that, we may be a light to others and a mirror of God’s image so that others may see and know God, be reformed, and become a part of God’s kingdom.
Let us pray
We thank you, God, for the example you have given us in Jesus. Through Jesus, you show us how to live in close quarters or in relation to those who may be our betrayers, who may be unkind, and who may not have our best interest in heart. God, help us to be consistent in our walk with you. Help us to be like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions as we learn to live and mature in our relationships with others. Let us be like mirrors that reflect God’s image so others may see and know you when they look at us. That is our purpose. Enable us, by your Spirit, to walk in your purpose with truth, humility, peace, joy, and love.
I’ve listened to a woman, recently, who said that Christianity has nothing to do with politics. And that religion and politics should be separate. But she was not a Christian, and apparently has never read the Bible. Jesus consistently, courageously, consciously, and constantly addressed the issues of his day. However, he was not doing something new. The prophets in the Old Testament also shared in God’s divine purpose in Jesus to reorient people and rulers and earthly kingdoms around God’s vision for a new humanity and creation.
He addressed the treatment of workers, slaves, widows, orphans, refugees, governments and rulers, and the prevailing cultural norms that marginalizes and harms the most vulnerable in society. Jesus taught his followers how to proclaim a Gospel of liberation and to restore outcasts into community. And he instructed his followers about the redistribution of wealth so that all may experience equality and solidarity within the constructs of kingdom ideals that promotes love of neighbors (to name a few things). One cannot get any more political than that.
I did not answer the woman who believed that religion and politics should be separate. I only listened. Time did not allow me to articulate a full response. But being a follower of Jesus means that we do not only embrace God’s Word, we proclaim it, and embody it. And embodying Jesus love is deeply political because it centers around justice, mercy, and right relationships with people.
Through Jesus’ Good news to the poor (aka, Gospel), Jesus called for a reordering of the predominant and popular social paradigmn in which he lived, where social stratification is abolished and there is a reversal of fortune for those in need. And his message is applicable for us today.
So, maybe the question should not be whether Christianity and politics should be separate. Maybe it should be, how can we be Christians without being political?
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
Jesus, the Messiah, was born in a time of darkness, horror, danger, and deep sadness. All the children in and around Bethlehem were massacred by the King’s decree. Joseph and Mary, being warned by God in a dream, gathered up their belongings and their child and fled for their lives to Egypt to live as refugees. They stayed in that country until King Herod died, and it was safe for them to return home.
Many experience grief and sadness at Christmas time. It is a time to be with family and friends, and when there has been a loss of life it is felt more intensely during this time. From birth, Christ was familiar with human suffering and pain because he was born in one of Israel’s most tragic times. There was wailing, loud lamentations, and weeping because of all the children who had their lives taken away so young. It was unfair. Where was God? Why did God allow all of those children to die?
We do not always have answers that satisfy us. But God brought his plan of new creation, new humanity, and newness of life into the world through Christ. God in Christ was born for a time such as that. And God in Christ is with you now for a time such as this. Whatever you are going through, if you feel swallowed by the darkness, emptiness, and grief that is left from the loss of someone you love, you are not alone in your suffering. Jesus has carried his consolation with him into the world so that your heart may be healed and strengthened by his life.
Christ is our peace. Unity with Christ makes us whole.
God,
As we wait for the final installment of the goodness that Christ brings, I pray for the hearts of those who are grieving. Fill them with strength, God of strength. Comfort them, God of comfort. Give them peace, God of peace. Illuminate thier darkness, God of light. Sit with them in thier emptiness. Blanket them with your love and glory. And reveal yourself to them in a new way.
Nothing is lost to you.
You see it all.
Keep them under your protection and care.
Heal thier hearts.
Heal thier lives.
Keep them from sinking.
Uphold them with your right hand.
God, I pray also for our world. Light it up, giver of light and bring your salvation soon.
soulcareweb 