2019 Worship Guide

Page 22 2019 Worship Guide LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Wednesday, December 4, 2019 The emotional weight of grief or difficult family relationships we are bound to encounter this year. We also carry the weight of others expectations of us. And maybe, like me, you also feel the weight of change that the end of the year always brings, bearing down heavy on you. Hope has such a grand breadth and depth of meaning, but this late afternoon I am reminded that hope holds on to the expectation of something beautiful beyond this one moment. During the Christmas season we are invited to lay down the heavy loads of life and instead put our hope in a love that carries us far beyond this season. A love that is patient and kind and releases us from the weight of undue expectations. A love that does not envy and is not proud and releases us from the weight of performance. A love that protects, trusts and perseveres and releases us from the weight of our grief and struggle. Jesus, in the form of a baby, comes into the world. A sign of hope and perfect love. He reminds us that we are loved and because we are, we can lay down the weight of life and walk in love with him. Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (Paraphrase Matthew 11:28-30) In this season remember you are loved. A life of this great love is not weighed down, but instead experiences a thrill of hope that continues all year long.