“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn. ” -Isaiah 61:1-2
It’s hard to be in a place of sadness during Advent and Christmas. The culture proclaims cheerfulness and happiness. Others expect us to participate in the joy of the season and feel uncomfortable with brokenheartedness and grieving. But our sadness and mourning, especially in the midst of Advent and Christmas, positions us right where we are supposed to be- in the present moment, feeling whatever feelings reside within us right now. There is room for all at the manger. The good news of Christ’s birth comes to the oppressed, bent over by grief; the brokenhearted full of tears; those imprisoned by depression and despair. Christ comes to comfort all who mourn, trusting that in God’s time joy will replace sadness. -Beth A. Richardon, The Uncluttered Heart
Action: Pray for someone who is grieving this Advent season.
Prayer: God of the brokenhearted, it is hard to be in mourning during this joyous time of year. But we know that you come to all of us and meet us right where we are and for that we thank you. Wrap each one who grieves in your comforting spirit today, Amen.