Listen:
“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” (Psalm 31:7)
Reflect:
I am never more aware of my anguish as a human being than the month of December. I knew pain this year—physical, mental, emotional. Maybe you did, too.
Sometimes pain is especially hard to bear because it feels isolating – when the people we love don’t see it all or understand how deeply it runs. In these times, my heart is only lifted when I remember that my Father not only sees and knows my pain, but he sent his son to wear my humanity – to feel what I feel and grieve what I grieve.
To be loved is to be known, and God has told us that we are both. That is no small comfort, and in this season of Advent we remember that it was because of love that he sent us his Son. Not disappointment, or frustration, or anger; love. Even in times of deep affliction and anguish – there is cause for rejoicing; because we are known by him in love. Because he is Immanuel – God with us.
I don’t know who you’re missing this year, or what loss you’re grieving – but God does. Maybe this year was one of joy and blessing. Either way, because you are human, I know something in your life is not as it should be. Either way, the season of Advent calls us to remember the love that stooped down to lift us up.
I invite you to close your eyes, picture Jesus, a newborn, wrapped up and sleeping humbly in a manger. And as you hold your stress or loss or anguish this season, let your heart look tenderly upon your King, who has come for you. Rejoice. He has come.
Prayer of Response:
Father, thank you for loving me enough to send your son Jesus for me. I rejoice because you are the God who sees and knows, and still loves. I willingly bring my heart to you today, because no matter my current circumstances, I have confidence in what I’m waiting for.
Questions to Ponder:
- As you reflect on this year, ask yourself: how does God’s love for me make a difference in how I see my current circumstances?
- What burden or affliction do you need to bring to Jesus this Christmas season?
Breath Prayers:
As we enter the fourth week of advent, join us in praying breath prayers of LOVE each day. Here is one based on: Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): I have drawn you
Exhale (Breathe out): with unfailing kindness
—Submitted by: Holli Tubbs
Holli is a stay-at-home mom, who lives with her husband James and their two kids in Colorado Springs, Colorado.