Balm of Hope
For the last few days and weeks, I have been drawn to the words of the Prophet Jeremiah. In chapter 8, we recall the words of the grieving Jeremiah, “My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken……I hurt with the hurt of my people, I mourn and am overcome with grief. Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no physician there?”
In this season of Advent, the season of hope, where do we find hope in the face of hopelessness and courage in the face of despair? Jesus is our “balm in Gilead.” We are invited to turn to Christ in our time of grief, suffering, and trials. I wonder what it must have been like for Jesus to leave the peace and harmony of heaven, to be transformed into skin and bones, a baby growing in Mary’s womb? Jesus was born into a world of pain and suffering, only to offer his healing love for all. May the words of the hymn, “There is a Balm Gilead” be our hymn of hope this Advent season.
There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul
Sometimes I feel discouraged
And deep I feel the pain
In prayers the holy spirit
Revives my soul again
Throughout the season of Advent, there are endless parties, family gatherings, and other joyous celebrations that we will be invited to attend. If we are honest with ourselves, some gatherings are difficult to attend because of loss, pain, and hurt. We must allow ourselves permission to be human. 2022 has been a difficult year individually, as a congregation, and as a denomination.
The Longest Night service is scheduled for Sunday, December 18th at 6:30 pm in the backyard of the Thompson House. This unique worship service will offer participants the opportunity to acknowledge the brokenness and loss within their own lives. There will be elements of fire, labyrinth, and even s’mores that will speak to all our senses. Perhaps s’mores can help us define what grace is as United Methodists. Is grace rigid and unbending or soft and responsive? Our view of grace is our view of God. Proverbs 18:24, “Some friends play at friendship, but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.” What a friend we have in Jesus!
Historically, the Longest Night service is observed on December 21 each year because of the winter solstice, a night that is longer than any other in our calendar year. This day also happens to coincide with the feast day for St. Thomas the Apostle. I believe we identify so much with Doubting Thomas. We remember that Thomas struggled with doubt, darkness, and grief. The good news is that Christ met Thomas in this place and will meet us.
The Longest Night service will be a worship experience for people of all ages. I would encourage everyone to invite someone to this unique worship service. Perhaps it is a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor who needs reminding of God’s love during difficult times and permission to be human.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
Long Talk…. 