Series: Christmas week reflection 2015 – Part 2
The music group Third day wrote and sang a song with the tagline “Keep holding on.” The song is about the storms and the challenging seasons of life.
Here are the words.
I won’t pretend to know what you’re thinking. I can’t begin to know what you’re going through. I won’t deny the pain that you’re feeling,
But I’m gonna try and give a little hope to you.
Just remember what I’ve told you. There’s so much you’re living for
There’s a light at the end of this tunnel. There’s a light at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you, there’s a light at the end of this tunnel.
Shinin’ bright at the end of this tunnel, For you, for you
So keep holdin’ on
You’ve got your disappointments and sorrows. You ought to share the weight of that load with me. Then you will find that the light of tomorrow.
Brings a new life for your eyes to see
So remember what I’ve told you. There’s so much you’re living for
Zechariah in our text today is also singing a song. Zechariah reviews the promises and recalls the voice of God through the prophets and King David. He recognizes God’s mercy and salvation even in the face of sin as well as in the wake of suffering, destruction and death. His song declares God has remembered. He declares that Jesus will guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:79).
We are reminded this week that God is active in our world and keeps his promises. In the midst of the storm, it can be so dark it is hard to see. Psalm 23 reminds us that the great shepherd comes and meets us in the valley. He sets a table and instead of taking us out, builds us up. He feeds us, declares we are his and prepares us for the journey out. There is a light at the end of the tunnel
When Zechariah was at that point in his life, he wondered if God would ever guide and fulfil his promise. He would have to wait, but it would come. Jesus came to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death (Lk. 1:79). He is for you and with you. Jesus is the one who rescues you from the grip of fear, evil, sin, and enemies. Jesus enables us to serve God, to live in holiness and righteousness, and helps us to experience the life we were created for.
I will leave you with these words from a friend:
If I am unhappy, God will be with me.
If I am unhappy, God will hold my hand and lead me to still waters.
You want peace, let God into your story this Christmas, this season. He was always there.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Do not fear the storm. Hang on.
God loves you.
God is with you.
God is for you.