Hi everyone,
This past week was our marathon of our kids’ Christmas concerts and stuff, and it was surprisingly easy. In the past, as luck would have it all of the concerts for the three of them were bunched up in a matter of days. So dance, music, plays, etc back to back to back. But this year? There were only 2 so it really was a cake walk compared to what it was.
And I never thought I’d say this, but I kind of miss it. I miss seeing the kids doing their thing up on stage. Sure, they might not be the most talented, the most animated, or even the most on-key, but there was a certain level of excitement and energy from being on stage for them that was just… electric.
So that dread I had when I saw the schedule for the different concerts was a little misplaced. Yes, it was busy. Yes, it was hectic. And yes, dealing with the other parents and their usage of full-sized tablets as recording devices was beyond frustrating. But it was worth it. It’s not what I always expect, but it was always a joy.
Here are the readings for next week:
Isaiah 35:1-10
Luke 1:46b-55 (alternate)
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Sometimes in life we feel disappointment. We are surprised that our expectations go unmet. We might even be saddened that things didn’t go exactly as planned.
Take John the baptizer for example. He sounds a bit disappointed that Jesus didn’t break him from jail or didn’t prevent it from happening or even allowed evil to continue to run rampant in the world. He wondered if Jesus was actually the one whose way John had been preparing.
Jesus’ response was that people are healed. People are made whole. People are finding joy even in their hardship.
That was the promise that was and continues to be fulfilled. That is the signs of God with us. That is the work of the Messiah entering into the world and bringing us joy.
Sure, it might not be how we expect. It might not look like how we want. It might not even be noticeable right away. But it’s there. It’s happening. And it’s joyful!
Thanks be to God! Have a great week, everyone!
