December 16
2018
Joy
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalm 30:11-12
It’s the season of “peace on earth”, “goodwill to men”.
It’s the season of love, joy and peace and all things sparkly and beautiful.
But for those who have or are enduring lose or are in a season of weeping, the season can be one of mixed emotions and feelings of guilt for not “participating” as others are, combined with feelings of feeling isolated or left out.
We must be sensitive to the seasons of those around us, encouraging others to be real in what they are experiencing while reminding them of the hope of the season.
Jesus ultimately brings hope.
Hope for eternal relationship with the Lord.
Hope for comfort.
Hope for the “joy that comes in the morning” and for the time when our “mourning is turned into dancing.”
In the meantime, take the time to help those around you who are in loss or weeping seasons, to find small joys in the simple things this Christmas.