It Came upon a Midnight Clear
Some churches offer what is called a “Blue Christmas” service during Advent. This is a service offered usually during Advent for those who are grieving or lonely during the holiday season. Although I have never attended this type of service, I appreciate the sentiment. There is so much pressure to be happy from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. However, the holidays often remind us of people we love who have died or who live far away. Sometimes we feel nostalgic for our childhood or the days when our children were small.
I do enjoy the holidays, but I often find that I experience sadness as well as joy. I have always loved the hymn “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” because it expresses sadness about the brokenness of the world and a longing for God’s kingdom that has not yet come in its fullness. We leave in a “weary world,” full of “sin and strife.” Sears wrote about “warring humankind” ignoring the tidings of angels well before the wars of the 20th century claimed the lives of what is estimated to be over 100 million people.
Advent reminds us that we are in-between Christ’s first and second coming. Each day, we are growing in Christ through the holy spirit, but we long for complete restoration to God. We long for God’s perfect justice, mercy, and peace.
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