Matthew 2:1-6, NRSV
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.
Amen.
soulcareweb 