Last Sunday’s Christmas Concert began with the haunting American carol, “The Hills are Bare at Bethlehem. The final verse is: The heart is tired at Bethlehem, no human dream unbroken stands; yet here God comes to mortal hands, and hope renewed cries out: “Amen!”
I had the opportunity to visit my good friend in Albuquerque last month. She tragically lost her husband in September. One phrase she used to describe her grief stood out to me (and I paraphrase): all the dreams of the future we planned are gone.
I know she is not alone in that feeling. Even in Bethlehem, at the time of Jesus’ birth, “no human dream unbroken” stood. In the midst of holiday merriment, it can be easy for some of us to forget that we live in a broken world. But for those who are grieving, the brokenness abounds.
If you are hurting, this church is here to help. We have a tireless congregational care team (carecalls@rbcommunity.org). Need prayer? Email prayer@rbcommunity.org. Would you like communion delivered to you? Email Pastor Mofid (Mofid@rbcommunity.org).
Another opportunity provided by the congregational care team is our annual Blue Christmas service. It is this Sunday, December 14, at 3pm in the chapel, and is a service of healing and hope. All are welcome. A few years ago, I discovered this new verse to “Silent Night,” and have incorporated it into Blue Christmas since.
Silent night, holy night Griefs abound, ever in sight, Christ now comes in manger bare, Holds our loved ones in his holy care. Joy, at last, to be ours. Joy, at last, to be ours.
Let us pray:
God of hope, shine your light into the darkest parts of our souls. In our brokenness, help us see the Holy Child in the manger as our personal bringer of peace. Through the Spirit, send us comfort in these Advent days, as we wait and watch for your coming. Amen.
Elizabeth Virkler