An Experience of Christmas, 2002

Bent, crushed…yes, they were. Many of the people in front of me looked indeed, like they were carrying tremendous burdens. Sickness, sadness, fatigue, frustration – these are the expressions of those who have been bent low.

…Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow…

It was Friday, Dec. 20, at Salem Lutheran Church in downtown Toledo. Salem, which provides a powerful ministry of hope and partnership with the poor, was hosting its pre-Christmas “Feed Your Spirit” event. Everybody who came got a good meal, and while they waited in the sanctuary for their number to be called, we sang together. A few chatted away, but most of those who came listened, even sang along. More than 100 people came – some homeless, some looking for community – to receive decent food, and to hear the angels sing.

Well, they didn’t get the angels; they got me and my eleven-string guitar (that darned high G always breaks right away!). I was there with several Salem members and other friends, singing Christmas songs with and for those who were waiting to be fed.

And it was during this hymn that the Holy Spirit made the connection for me: those who toil along the climbing way were right there in front of me. I could see the crushing load in their faces, in their clothing, in their posture. Many looked weary, exhausted, from having to scratch out an existence for themselves, and in some cases, several other dependent family members. As I sang, tears welled in my eyes, as the text of this beloved hymn became real for me in a way it never had before.

…Look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing…

But even in the midst of their material poverty, there was joy. Many of the people there, waiting, were smiling, and singing joyfully. There was an unmistakable sense of hope in Salem’s sanctuary. Could it be that they know? Could it be that the “good tidings of great joy” sustain them, that the knowledge of God’s love through Jesus Christ supports them? Do they know that the one who promises to make their burdens light is coming into this world?

One cannot know. But I do know, even in the midst of all those bending forms – mine included – there was a sense of joy that could not be extinguished. The glad and golden hours that God promised are coming, and somehow, some way, the children of God know it, believe it, and expect it. Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!

…Oh, rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing!

Dear friend, you who are also bent low beneath life’s crushing load, please know this: it was the angels after all, singing hope, singing Jesus, to the singers, the listeners, to the weary. Listen, and by all means, sing along!!