December 20, 2023 Reflection and Worship Link

In the hush of a silent night, when stars shimmered against the backdrop of infinite blackness, the world awaited a Savior. The echoes of ancient prophecies whispered through time, and in the town of Bethlehem, a celestial light pierced the darkness, leading wise men from distant lands to the humble stable, where a child lay in a manger.

In this reading from Matthew, we find a story of pilgrimage, of seeking, and of homage paid to a promised One. But within the folds of this sacred story lies a tapestry of human experiences — the ache of longing, the pain of searching, and the bittersweet encounter with the divine. The Magi in this story navigated their own darkness, guided only by a celestial light, each step a testament to faith in a brighter promise.

As we journey through the Christmas season, adorned in festive hues, we may carry the weight of sorrow, grieving losses that cast shadows over the merriment. The holiday season, often seen as a time of joy and celebration, can amplify the ache of absence for those who have experienced the sharp pang of death. Empty chairs at once-filled tables become painful reminders of loved ones who are no longer physically present, leaving a void that seems insurmountable during a time when we normally celebrate family and togetherness.

Personal struggles can intensify during the Christmas season. The heaviness of loneliness can make the festivities around us feel like a stark contrast to the solitude within. Or maybe you are navigating the complexities of a fractured relationship, where the tinsel and lights can’t quite mend the emotional brokenness that persists. The season’s emphasis on joy can become a reminder for those wrestling with mental health challenges, as the pressure to be merry may make those feelings of isolation and inadequacy even stronger.  With so many temptations during the Christmas festivities, those who struggle with addictions can have a much more difficult time. 

The global context this year adds to the despair. Our hearts bear witness to the ongoing violence and conflicts that cast a somber hue over our world. In the land where the Star of Bethlehem once shone brightly, we see the enduring struggle for peace in the region of Gaza and Israel. The echoes of ancient prophecies seem drowned out by the sounds of conflict and the cries of those caught in the crossfire.

Simultaneously, on the plains of Ukraine, a different kind of struggle unfolds—a battle for territory and for the very essence of human dignity. The journey towards peace seems fraught with peril, and the celestial light we yearn for appears dim against the backdrop of global conflicts.

In this season, where joy is often the expectation, these poignant words of Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, encapsulate in a reflective poem the reality of grief in these difficult days:

“We all tell ourselves stories about grief to come.

Anticipating the dark we think, how can I live without the sun I turn toward?

We wrest what gifts we can from the dying days.

One morning we wake, and the doorway we most dreaded is behind us.

The ice may not recede for months to come but day by day may there be more light.”

In the quiet corners of our hearts, we resonate with the truth of these words. In our shared humanity, we find ourselves telling stories of grief, not only for personal losses but also for the collective pain of our world in the midst of conflict.  Whether through personal grief or global grief, there’s a shared longing for solace and hope. The Christmas story itself unfolds against the backdrop of a world yearning for illumination. Just as the Magi sought the Star of Bethlehem, a guiding light amidst the darkness, we, too, yearn for a beacon that can illuminate the path through the shadows of our personal and collective struggles.

For those grappling with the heaviness of loss, Christmas can become a season of wrestling with the ache of absence. The Magi, guided by a celestial light, found solace in their journey’s end. Similarly, in our darkest moments, may we find strength in the belief that the dawn of a new day approaches.

As the Magi presented their precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, so too can we offer the fragments of our broken hearts to the divine. Sometimes it is in our vulnerability, that we discover the transformative power of surrender, allowing grief to shape us into vessels of compassion, empathy, and love.

This Christmas, let us embrace the journey of the Magi as our own, recognizing that even in the midst of loss, a guiding light beckons us forward. Like the Magi who found the Christ child, may we discover, in unexpected places, the healing balm that soothes our broken hearts and may we know that we are never alone.  God walks with us in the sorrow of our journey. 

May the journey of the Magi inspire us to seek paths of reconciliation and understanding, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, praying for the day when the light of peace will illuminate the darkest corners of our world.

As we stand at the intersection of personal grief and global turmoil, let us remember the healing power of God’s love born anew. The Christmas story, with its message of love and redemption, calls us to extend a hand to others who bear the weight of sorrow and to be instruments of peace in a world torn by conflict.

In our collective pilgrimage, may the guiding light of hope shine not only in our hearts but also in the troubled regions of our world, that, during this season of both celebration and introspection, even in the midst of sorrow, a radiant dawn awaits, promising renewal, redemption, and the eternal presence of the divine light for each one of us and for all humanity.