Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves. - Psalm 126:4–6
These words from the lectionary Psalm for the third Sunday of Advent are the prayer of a people who are survivors of a long season of struggle. They yearn for the end to suffering and a return to joy. These words connect us both to God’s people long ago and to God’s people here and now.
I think of healthcare workers – doctors, nurses, medical staff – who day after day go to work to help those who are hurting. They face the reality of the suffering around us, while many of us more easily deny it because it is not raw before our very eyes every day. As these weary professionals of healing take their knowledge to work each day, they sow seeds of loving care. And just as the psalmist lifts up the hope of recovery leading to joy and a return home with the fruits of their long labor, we too pray for life anew.
How many of us have not shed tears over the last nine months, for the losses brought by change and our longing for life to feel more normal again?
Here are a few of my favorite things that I miss doing with you this year: Christmas Caroling in nursing homes and riding on the bus, festive dinners in the fellowship hall, singing together in worship, hugging you to greet you and share the love of Christ, giving out cookies and hot cocoa to the community, the fullness of the sanctuary with joyful people anticipating the Christmas pageant, and the beautiful calm candlelight worship service where we pass the light of Christ to one another. Missing these precious times makes me sad. Knowing that God’s Spirit still connects us to one another keeps me from getting lost in the sadness. Holding onto God’s promises helps me know that there is hope; there will be a turning back to joy.
We like the psalmist can pray: Lord, turn the tears that fall from our eyes and hearts into delightful shouts of joy. Let us be like children who are not weighed down by the heavy concerns of providing safety and wellness, but who easily get lost in moments of playful laughter and happiness. Perhaps these moments will be our greatest gift at Christmas this year?
Lord, help us to hang on to hope this Advent. That as we live among each other with care in this season of waiting during the time of the virus, that the day will come again when we more easily live with wellness, joyfully and abundantly connected to one another again. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Yours in Christ,
Rev Amy