Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:1-10

Since New Year’s Day, the lights have been going out and the neighborhood getting darker.  Some turned off the Christmas lights immediately, others through the past week (and, some still have them on). 

Over the weekend, we started to take down the decorations and the tree.  We removed all the ornaments and I was taking off the strings of lights when I found one last ornament – one that said Joy.

Joy.  It can be so elusive for many during the holiday season.  For some, it brings up the grief of loss, especially if it is one of the first Christmas seasons without a loved one.  For others, the ongoing crises in the world, the country, and even within our families and friends.  Health has been difficult for a lot of people I know, including a bout within our household before Christmas.  We were unable to do a lot of things we normally do, and that was sad.  We have some friends going through serious issues and know the season was not necessarily the “most wonderful time of the year.”

Yet there was that Joy ornament.  It spoke to me as I removed the lights, and took the tree outside.  While I am not feeling it right now, I know that ultimately joy awaits.  Isaiah reminds us that God will give us strength, God will uphold us.

If you are going through a joyless time, I am not going to tell you that a few scripture verses will fix it.  I will say, however, that God is still with you, God walks with you and you can turn to God.

Peace,

Pastor Bill