“The joy of God has gone through the poverty of the manger and the agony of the cross; that is why it is invincible, irrefutable.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer during Advent in the midst of WWII, 1942
This week has been a week of conflicting emotions. Christmastime is always the most wonderful time of the year. The combination of falling snow and a crackling fireplace always warms my heart. Seeing all the lights and decorations makes this season unlike any other. Everything seems right; like the songs says, "From now on all our troubles will be out of sight". Then suddenly, late last week, the most joyous time of the year became one of the most horrifying days in memory. The Newtown tragedy sent a wrench through the hearts of people all across the world and all of sudden, singing happy songs about joy and laughter didn't seem so appropriate. For the first time, I wasn't comfortable celebrating during my favorite time of year.
This weekend, however, I was reminded of the events that took place shortly after the birth of Jesus.
"Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."
-Matthew 2:16-18
Such an unspeakable tragedy spurred on by the birth of Christ, yet his birth is still cause for incredible joy."When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." (Matthew 2:10). It is because the whole purpose of Jesus coming was to die, rise, and defeat death.
"that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."
-Hebrew 2:14-15
When Jesus was born it was the beginning of the end for death.
"He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken."
-Isaiah 25:8
In the wake of this tragedy, nothing would be more appropriate than to celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ, the dawn of death's destruction. I've found also that with this context the song, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel has taken on much more weight for me.
This is a reason that I am so blessed to be a part of a ministry that is dedicated to the gospel. I can't wait for the Ghana project in March so that I may take part in spreading the great good news and great hope of Christmas to people who have no comfort.
God Bless and Merry Christmas!
Andrew
P.S.
I pulled some things from these articles
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