LONGING FOR HOME

In the story of David, he exhibited great patience in waiting for God to install him as the king of Israel.  King Saul (the first king of Israel) sought to find and kill David for nearly a decade.  Both grew weary of this pursuit.  

In II Samuel 23, David is hiding in a cave with his men.  He is tired of living the life of a fugitive.  It's one of the few times we seem him feeling down and disheartened.  In this weak moment, he makes a statement that his 'mighty men' overhear:  "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem."  [Remember, Bethlehem is the "City of David".]

His 'mighty men' are deeply devoted to David!  

So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.  [v.16]

What a symbol of devotion for a man they loved, admired and trusted.  They literally risked their lives for the sake of their leader!  

David was overwhelmed, shocked and unhappy with the tremendous risk they had taken on his behalf.  

...he refused to drink it;  instead, he poured it out before the LORD.  "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!" he said.  "Is this not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?"  And David would not drink it.  [vs.16-17]

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Christmas is a time of longing for home for many.  It's a nostalgic time of remembering fond people and activities from our past.  Those memories are embedded in our minds and are a formative part of who we are.  

Many of us would love to revisit times past when loved ones were still with us and where life seemed simpler.   We may get reflective during these weeks of preparation and celebration.  That's partly why many churches are offering a special worship opportunity called 'Blue Christmas'.  It allows - even encourages - us to experience the somber side of this celebrative season and own our feelings of despair and sadness.

This attitude of reflection is evident in the music of the season.  

I'll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow

And mistletoe

And presents 'neath the tree

Christmas eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams

[by Robin Bernheim]

It seems to represent a longing for the familiar - the things and people that formed and shaped us. It's a desire to be with those whom we love - or have loved.  This is not a bad thing!  It is a simple recognition that life has been good and we have enjoyed wonderful people and pleasurable times.  

Loneliness is exacerbated when we see families and friends making merry.  Many people no longer have the pleasure of companionship or family to comfort them.  When we reach out and enfold them, we bless them with acceptance.

Christmas 2020 magnifies this phenomenon by ten times!  Many states are trying to prohibit us from getting together - even with our family!  We long for a drink from Bethlehem's well, but are not allowed to travel to Bethlehem!  We've never experienced this before!  All of us are incredulous.  We didn't see this coming - never even imagined it!  

Let's pray about this:

Kind and loving Lord,

We lift those who may be longing for home, but unable to go.

Bring people into their lives who can facilitate joy and camaraderie for them.

We pray for our military who are often required to be on duty in far distant places.

Comfort them as they celebrate with their loved ones via phone or computer.

Comfort them and keep them safe as they reflect on those they love and miss.

Bless - Oh God, bless our many parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and other family and friends

who are trapped in hospitals and nursing homes as a result of Covid-19.

Many of them have had no physical contact for over nine months.

Some must surely feel abandoned. 

Gracious God, be near to them, watch over them, protect them and comfort them.

Send Your angels to assure them that they are loved and appreciated.

Strengthen front-line workers, Lord, who are growing weary.

Reassure them that the end is in sight.

Heal those who have become infected.

Comfort those who long to be with loved ones for the celebration of Your holy birth!

Give us hope that this year's Christmas is an anomaly and that things will soon return to some semblance of normal.  

Thank You for Your many blessings!

You are an awesome God, and it is our pleasure to serve You!

May Your name be praised forever!

Amen.