Weary.
By Michael J. Breznau 2021
How can we be filled with Christmas cheer when our eyes are welling up with tears?
Our hearts are aching from loved ones dying
Our minds are racing with COVID news recycling
Our bodies are breaking under the weight of societal dividing, cities rioting, and politicians lying
Shelves emptying, fuel prices rising, inflation skyrocketing
Who could possibly be rejoicing as our world deteriorates into more screaming and fighting?
We’ve buried too many, yet the hospitals say, “Case counts keeping climbing!”
Who else will be taken today?
“Help Wanted,” shopkeepers shout with their colorful signs, yet few workers are found
amid all the fear, uncertainty, and doubt
2020 is gone, never to be heard from again
“Hooray!” we proclaimed at the dawn of the year ’21
Yet the tidal wave of pain left us languishing on Depression Lane
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining,”
The favored carol is chiming
Once distant ideas of darkness long ago
Now stare us in the face with present realities we cannot forego
We are the weary
Ones tired of clichés, delays, and fickle hoorays
When the words don’t come
And everything feels numb
When tears fall and hands tremble
And our capacities no longer keep us stable
“Help…” we whisper through choked, dry throats
“Why?” we shout into the heavens with dissonant notes
But then we hear a baby’s cry
And remember a dark night when glad tidings of joy pierced the sky
God’s people long-oppressed longed for Light
Joseph and Mary, the angel said, would have a Son who’d bring peace, salvation, and Life
For shepherds and laborers, fisherman and farmers, priests and kings
And everybody in between!
The news broke-through the shadowlands
Into the hearts of an old woman and man
Simeon, wearied, wrinkled, and worn
From many years of seeing Israel torn
Held the Hope of the world oft-forlorn
He saw Israel’s consolation, God’s salvation
The Light of revelation to people from every nation
Long-widowed Anna, warm memories of her husband grew distant and cold
Yet her heart was steadfastly holding to hope
There in the temple she waited and prayed
Until that same day when she beheld the face of redemption and all her fears were assuaged
The prophetess proclaimed: Joy for the weary!
God is writing a healing, redeeming story
We are the weary
The world viciously spins on in this dark night
But the song of Joy has not ceased – there is Light
You and I may experience His Life
Step out of the cold, wearied isolation
Look upon the face of salvation
Hold onto Him for consolation
For a Savior was born to rescue us from all our shame, fear, and condemnation
We’re invited to fall on our knees – to remember that night divine
For our redemption draws nigh
In Him we discover a new Joy within our hearts
Through the forgiveness and new Life that He alone imparts
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“For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)
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As always, we love to hear from you! Let us know about your present needs and prayer requests or what you think of the poem video in the comment field below.
I pray and hope that you have a blessed Christmas season and a joy-filled, Christ-focused launch into the New Year.
Love in Christ,
Michael
