Lord, I’m musing this morning over the sweet, yet sour, tension between this life and eternity. Christmas brings some sad moments for all of us. I don’t know of one family table that doesn’t have an absent relative. Those you called home attend the holiday celebration in heaven. My head tells me it’s a far grander party in heaven, but my heart sure wishes to see my loved ones around my table. That’s where the tears of tension come, and when the hope of salvation overcomes. Yet, for a little while, we await our turn that approaches day-by-day. Let the joy of your salvation fill that time, Father. I pray the sadness in this tension won’t overshadow the joy to come and the bright hope of this moment as we count off the days ’til Christmas. Help us rejoice in your first coming and confidently anticipate your second coming. I pray in the name and authority of Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords, according to your good and perfect will. Amen.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51: 12 ESV)