Praise God!

Friday, December 12, 2014                                                                         Psalm 148

Claire Harris Kramer

  

This Psalm calls us to worship and give thanks to God. The writer of this Psalm reminds us that God not only created us, but also the rest of the universe. God, the giver of life, has the only name worthy of our praise. The imagery in this Psalm is beautiful and its message of praising God is easy enough, right?

I was reminded at our Service for Healing and Hope this past Sunday that the hopeful expectation of Advent is not universal. Instead, those who are sick, those who are grieving, those who are lamenting the loss of a job or a relationship may greet this season with a profound sense of isolation and sadness. It’s hard enough to keep worship of God at the forefront of our lives, but particularly so for those who are feeling alone or who are experiencing a sense of despair.

During this service, I remembered the losses I’ve experienced this year – the deaths of both my paternal grandparents. I thought about the ways my community showed up and surrounded me with love and prayers in the days and weeks following my grandparents’ deaths. I am grateful for the sense of community I’ve felt this year – during the moments that weren’t so good as well as those that were.

Especially during this season when it seems that everyone is full of good cheer, we are called into community with those who might be experiencing sadness and loneliness. As Christians, we are called to recognize those who are struggling to believe that the light shines into the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. We are called to surround these folks, provide a listening ear, and to believe in the light on their behalf.

Prayer: God, thank you for your amazing creation and for all the good gifts that you have given us. Please help us to care for one during this season that can be so full of joy and also so full of sadness. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear each other and you. Amen.

Daily Challenge: Reach out to someone who has experienced a recent loss or might be going through a difficult time. Spend some time with a friend or family member who may be feeling isolated. Think about how we might be the Church for all those people who are experiencing emotional, mental, and physical needs during this Advent season.