Dec 17 – Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4
Isaiah 61:1 & 3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me…
…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (NIV)
I had a wee bit of an anxiety attack this morning before I came to work at the church. I knew it was happening, so I started to exhale slowly and eventually calmed my spirit. I’ve had less than a handful of these during my lifetime, so I guess I was due a pandemic one. Like everybody else, I’m concerned about the future and am worried about my family, the church, and our nation. For me, our current crisis feels like being on a foggy mountain, cautiously following the trail beneath my feet, and hoping to goodness that I’ll end up somewhere safe. It feels more awkward than it is upsetting; I feel more discombobulated than I do distressed.
When I got in my car to drive to church, I switched on the CD player to listen to the Advent CD that we’ve recently produced and distributed at Erin. It was exactly what I needed. Hearing words of reassuring scriptures read by familiar voices and listening to the wonderful church music played by Nancy Berry was just what the doctor ordered. By the time I reached the church, the fog had lifted and I felt secure in God’s arms.
This is one of the important reasons why Jesus came to Earth – to reassure us of God’s love and to guide us through both the best of times and the worst of times. This is why most of the dear folks that I know have faith in Christ – they know that He is here for them, too. It’s a beautiful gift from God and one which is available for everyone. 😊
No matter what you face today, may Christ walk beside you, and even carry you when you need it most.
God bless you all.
John