Third Week of Advent - Wednesday

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This week we rejoice because of all that God has done for us in sending His Son.

 

We are told in Scripture that we are to rejoice in the Lord always. And again we are told to rejoice.

 

While this is a season on joy, we as a nation have experienced tragedy.

 

Many lives were lost last Friday.

 

Lives of full of future and promise.

 

Such sorrow for the parents, the community, New England, and the nation at large.

 

How can we have joy amidst such tragedy?

 

Only in Christ can we find the answer.

 

The following is from Concordia Lutheran Church [listen here] -

 

I am with you when you suffer, for I suffer for you.

I am with you when you die, for I died for you.

I am with you in the grave, for I lay in the grave for you.

I am with you when you weep, for I weep for you.

I am with you when mourn, for I mourn for you.

I am with you for I am one of you.

I speak to you a better word than justice, a better word than retribution, a better word than vindication.

I speak to you life, for I am the life of the world.

I am the light shining in the darkness.

 I am the watchman keeping watch over my flock.

I am the way, guiding you in the way of life.

I am the resurrection, raising you from the clutches of death.

From the hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore thee...

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!