Sitting at my desk and getting ready for our Christmas Celebration on December 26th, I was putting together the program and practicing a special I hope to sing as part of the service. It is one of my favorite Christmas songs because of the soaring majesty of the music and the lines that proclaim the truth of Christ's coming.
I was singing and enjoying the music and came to these lines:
"Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name."
And as I sang the second line a familiar lump formed in my throat. I pressed on, but as I came to the line "for the slave is our brother and in his name all oppression shall cease" I broke down in body-shaking sobs. The song played on and I heard "Fall on your knees!" I nearly did just that as I thought of all those who suffer in slavery this year around the world (and in our own nation) who are our brothers and sisters and because they do not live next door we have forgotten them. I cried out for forgiveness for our continued use of his name to justify our wars when he came to bring us peace!
"How long, O Lord, how long will you endure our willful ignorance of your offered peace? How do you bear our blasphemy in claiming your abundance for ourselves while pushing away thoughts and reminders of the poor among us? How is it we have not fallen under your wrath?" These were my thoughts as the song continued to play.
And then I realized that the one who came to bring peace, brings our pardon. He stands in the gap and pays the debt of our ignorance and disobedience. He does it with love and grace and desires that his intercession will bring about change in our hearts. This made my tears come all the more as I considered how unworthy I am to receive all that he offers.
I have been so busy this Advent season with events and keeping my personal fast, all of which seems so "not enough," so meaningless, so shallow in comparison to his coming and sacrifice. I needed this reminder today of my need for repentance and dependence on him; of my need for continued growth and renewed dedication to his purposes.
"Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh holy night,
Oh night divine"
Thank you, God for Advent Repentance and the knowledge that you are at work and your purposes will be fulfilled. Have your way in me. Transform me into the likeness of your Son. Amen
