DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY IN THE WEEK OF ADVENT III (12/14/10)

GOD’S WORD—Psalm 146:9
The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

MEDITATION
The first fact about being an orphan is this: you no longer have parents. The first fact about being a widow or widower is this: you no longer have a spouse. Among the first facts about Christmas is this: it has to do with families. We speak of the “holy family”: the infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. We work to gather our families together as best we can to celebrate, exchange gifts, eat, laugh, play games, and sing.

But think of an orphan or a widow. It has to be tough any time of the year, but the holiday season can be almost too much. There are memories, yes. Many of them are happy ones. But Christmas is different because family isn’t what it once was. Yes, there is something to be said about starting new traditions and so forth, and many do. But what of the child at Christmas this year who had to grow up too fast – without parents? Or consider the dear lady at the assisted living facility. Yes, she is safe and warm in her apartment; her physical needs are provided for. There are Christmas cards and scrapbooks and photo albums with images of Christmases past when her husband was alive. But most of the time, there is no one there but her. Her phone is cradled silently.

In honor of today’s Scripture, phone calls can be made; visits can be undertaken; cookies can be baked, and the circle of family can be extended. We are told today that the Lord watches over the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. One surprising and unforgettable joy is when we are privileged to join the Lord in watching over them.

PRAYER
Lord, we beseech You, give ear to our prayers, and enlighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

VERSE
Stretch forth Your hand, our health restore,
And make us rise to fall no more;
Once more upon Your people shine
And fill the world with love divine.