First Things First

“The joy of God goes through the poverty of the manger and the agony of the cross; that is why it is invincible, irrefutable. It does not deny the anguish, when it is there, but finds God in the midst of it, in fact precisely there; it does not deny grave sin but finds forgiveness precisely in this way; it looks death straight in the eye, but it finds life precisely within it.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, First Things

On the world stage, it’s been a tough 12 months. Human acts of senseless violence top the headlines. Terrorism, the fear of nuclear war, police brutality, political inhumanity; all seems to be the order of the day. We draw our collective breaths in horror at atrocities committed on the other side of the planet. When challenges occur closer to home however, the pain becomes personal. The ever-increasing cost of living, floods and drought, family violence, changes at home and at church –  in some small way, for a moment in time, we can relate to those for whom struggle is a daily reality. It’s hard to make sense of it all and easy to feel overwhelmed with helplessness. Peace and joy can be replaced with cynicism and despair.

Historically, the monastic orders of the Christian Church called people to prayer several times per day, inviting them to stop what they are doing for but a moment and lift their hearts in prayer. Luther even composed the morning and evening prayer, as a guide. Christians are called to prayer – indeed, to “pray without ceasing”. Herein lies the peace and joy ushered in by the birth of the Christ-child.

Marilyn R. Gardner writes,

“…in the midst of senseless acts of violence, in the midst of tragedy, I am called to pray. Called to pray to a God who hears and loves, a God who is present in tragedy and accepts our “whys”, a God who knows no national boundaries or citizenship, a God who took on our human pain and suffering when he “willingly endured the cross”.

In all things, big and small, we can go to the one who knows all, sees all, and loves us anyway with an everlasting love. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).

Lord, hear our prayers today.