Thursday, December 14, 2006
“In the bleak midwinter…”
Christina Rosetti’s poem captures a northern winter mood – dark, snow, cold – that most of the world (including Bethlehem!) doesn’t fully experience. However every life, and most institutions, like the church, has those “midwinter moments” where the way seems unclear, when hope has faded, though still shines faintly, and the gloom has settled in.
HOW HAS GOD SURPRISED US WITH UNEXPECTED ANSWERS TO OUR PROBLEMS? Dr. John Clifford
Israel, from Solomon’s death until Jesus’ time, was usually in this condition...exiled, weak. Their only hope was a dream of God’s Messiah appearing to turn the tables on the world’s powers. Still, when Jesus came, hopeful Israel did not respond to his proclamation of God’s Kingdom. It wasn’t really what they wanted either!
Nor are our dark days days without God. The challenges we face may have answers we don’t look for, as Jesus was a Messiah not like the peoples’ dreams. We may try to solve our problems ourselves, by brute force. Only looking back do we discover God was there. Can we train ourselves to see Christ more quickly, to find God even when we are challenged with great problems?
WILL WE INCLUDE GOD IN OUR SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS TO THEM?
Prayer: Lord God, too often darkness hides you from us; yet the darkness is in our sight and not in your love or nature. Give us eyes to see your light and follow that gleam to discover your love and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.