Psalm 16:5:
“You, LORD, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands.”Romans 8:28:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Our current world-wide pandemic has altered life as we know it. Many continue to deal with fear and uncertainty for what the future holds—when will a safe, effective, vaccine be available; when will schools return to normal; when can we shed the masks; how will the elections impact our society? If you think this is a chaotic time now and you are stressed over the emotional debates we are witnessing in Washington, cities across American and in our neighborhoods and churches, we should be praying even harder for the aftermath of the election. Each one of us has a mix of emotions: hopes and fears.
It may be too early for Christmas Carols—although my hubby would like to move forward with decorations so that we are that much closer to getting this year over with—but, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” has a profound message for us and don’t we all need a little Christmas right now?
“O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in Thee tonight.”
The words we sing speak of a darkness that existed in the world. Until Jesus came. It is suggested by writers of old that when Jesus was born a hush fell over the earth; stars were silent; mortals slept dreamless sleep. The dark streets of Bethlehem were lit by one single light source—the Light everlasting. And then we sing the verse that really brings it all home, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” The hope and fears that been carried and accumulated century upon century, generation after generation, by all people of this earth, were finally realized and met in the person of Jesus Christ. Emmanuel, God with us, came down and met us right here where we live, to meet our need for hope of eternal life and freedom from fear. We no longer have need of fear. We should no longer be shackled by fear for we have been released from it by Jesus. There’s no better time for us to be reminded, once again, of the message of Christmas.
Thank you, Lord, for Your timeless message of hope that we really need right now. Release us from the fears that we are holding onto needlessly. Grant us Your peace and grace to move ahead in the future, whatever it holds, for it is all in Your hands. In the name of the One who is our Hope, Jesus. Amen.
