There is a weariness, a tiredness, running rampant today which has nothing to do with physical depletion. We are a soul weary society. The last several years, even before Covid, have exhausted our internal resources. It is impossible for anyone to continue the level of emotional demand we have seen, the demand to be outraged, the demand to fix (fill in the blank), the careful weighing of words and actions to avoid being publicly castigated and “canceled” for whatever we are not properly aligned on.
We are seeing this manifest itself in increased violence, increased mental health issues, increased fragility. The lack of grace and kindness and gentleness is undermining our internal framework.
This past Sunday was Lessons and Carols at our church. The story of God’s redemptive grace is read and sang. We sang O Holy Night which proclaims “the weary world rejoices”.
And suddenly, it was true for me. There was a release from my world weariness, from the wariness of always being careful and on guard. An inpouring and over pouring of God’s love and mercy manifested in the birth of the Christ Child as the beginning of a redemptive path. But mostly, just space to rejoice.
“O Holy Night”
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees,
Oh, hear the angel voices
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born
O night divine,
O night, O night divine,
O holy night.
Rejoice. Be thrilled. Hope.
Merry Christmas. God with us.
Just Sayin' 