The Weary World Rejoices
This is the time of year I would buy an advent study and go through the themes of Hope, Joy, Love and peace. As the story of Christ's birth unfolds, it draws me closer to how beyond blessed we all are that the saviour was born into this broken world for us. But this year… I took a detour from my usual end of year study and went straight to the topic of peace, and sister... I needed it!
The Lyrics from O' Holy Night, 'The weary world rejoices.' kept repeating in my mind. If I was doing the dishes, I'd start singing it. If I was driving the car, I'd start singing it. If I was on my daily walk, I'd start singing it! Because that’s exactly what I was… weary, and I think this time of year many of us are.
We're just plain tired and while some get excited about Christmas Day, I begin to dread it as I think of presents to be bought and wrapped, dinner prepared and the ingredients I will need. Don’t even get me started on the fact you think you have everything and then there’s always something you forgot. I’m bombarded with social media advertisements, overspending, overeating, end of year graduations and Christmas concerts. By the time the day arrives, I honestly want nothing to do with it. I think if I can get through it, then I can finally rest. And I wonder and hope the weary will subside long enough to enjoy even a moment of Christmas Day with my family. But I want to share something with you.
As I was on one of my daily walks the other day, the lyrics once again ran through my mind. 'The weary world rejoices.' I began to panic again and a tiredness was trying to wash over me, and then... I was wrapped in peace. I heard God Whisper, "You can rejoice instead." And it hit me. I don’t need to stress about anything. If it all doesn’t work out the way I planned in my mind, that’s okay. If I forget something, who cares! It's not about all the stuff anyway it's about Jesus… always about Jesus. I could choose to rejoice because Jesus came to save the weary people of the world and there's joy and peace to be found in that.
Jesus was born as the prince of peace and He came to make a way for us to not only experience peace this holiday season, but for all our days. He invites you, me and any who are weighed down—to come to him for what our souls long for… Peace… So that’s what I've been doing, studying Peace and then resting in God’s presence distraction free from noise. The world isn’t rushing us, we are… we choose to be rushed and frantic and see the chaotic in our daily lives. Well, I know for me that’s true. I find myself in a cycle of being a Martha and never stopping long enough to sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary did.
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
I pray you find your peace this holiday season. I pray you stop long enough to drop the weary and rejoice in the promises of God and the son He sent here to save you, me and the rest of the world.
Love Sarah, xx.