Advent Reflection | Thursday, December 3
Today’s A Weary World Rejoices story comes from Joanne Berg:
The other day I stared idly out my window at the activity in the neighborhood. Seeing cars coming and going, people walking their dogs, and children chasing one another made me feel more and more isolated. I’d been contemplating spending the Thanksgiving holiday alone.
Needing distraction, I tuned into the week’s video of Good Shepherd’s worship service, which provided the desired inspiration.
Then I discovered a YouTube snippet of 82-year-old Mary Maxwell delivering the invocation at a dinner for Home Instead patrons. She asked the Lord’s blessing for seniors like her “who are sometimes not very likable, let alone lovable.” With a straight face she continued, “You don’t get to practice getting old—this is my first time!”
And I had to laugh—my mood lightened. It is said that a laugh a day can keep the doctor away. Humor is one of the most precious gifts God provides for humans, and we need to use it often.
What this experience taught me is that there is hope for the future. Solitary holidays are just temporary inconveniences caused by the COVID-19 virus. They cannot erase the benefits of the life God has given us.
If we have health, a safe place to live, food to eat, the love of friends and family, and have good memories, we’re wealthy! I am content in the knowledge that in life there is always hope.
Thanks be to God.
Romans 5: 3-5 (Living Bible Translation)
We can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
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