We are part way through the second week of Advent and Christmas Eve is two weeks away. We will celebrate the birth of our Savior soon – are we ready? I don’t mean is all your Christmas shopping done or if the decorations are complete. Are we READY? Our readings challenge us to prepare ourselves not for festivities but for salvation.
In the first reading, Isaiah rebukes us – it is almost as if he can’t believe that we are not aware.
Do you not know or have you not heard?
The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth.
We have nothing to worry about or be concerned. We have (or should have) hope for the future, our eternal future. He reminds us that those who have hope in the Lord will renew their strength. It is such an important message for us. Sometimes as we near the end of the year and all that implies coupled with the busyness of the Christmas season, we do, indeed, grow weary. The hectic pace belies this season of peace – most of us would not, could not say that “all is calm.” Isaiah’s message is one of strength and faith. As the beautiful song, We will rise again from David Haas, states in the refrain,
We will run and not grow weary
for our God will be our strength
and we will fly like an eagle.
We will rise again.
The words of the song kept echoing in my head as I first read this scripture and thought about it this week. I always take comfort in this song feeling the relief and solace when I rely on God for my strength.
Our gospel follows the thoughts of our first reading. It is in God and His Son that we will truly find rest. I love the image of taking the yoke because you can’t really use a yoke alone – it needs to be used in partnership. Jesus is offering to be our partner as we share His yoke. If we do decide to bind ourselves to Him, we will find a different way of living – a way that is meek and humble of heart. Within this new way, we will live the promises of Isaiah with strength and refuge and soar as with eagles’ wings.
May you have a blessed Christmas!
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
