A Cry

Why is God silent? Why does He seem so distant? 

 The beloved hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, captures this sentiment. It is often sung with yearning from the soul of one waiting for an answer.  

The author leans into the thought that we, like Israel, find ourselves in lonely times that feel like exile.  

 Have you felt that in 2020?  

Israel endured 400 years of silence where they didn’t hear the voice of God through His prophets. There was a word from one, in 430 B.C., about a coming restoration. That was the last prophecy for a long, long time.  

Malachi warned God would smite the land with a curse. There were wars, foreign occupation, and desolation. 

Where was God in all the pain? Did He see? Did He hear? Did He care? 

A cry broke the silence. 

The people walking in darkness saw the dawn of hope--for a child was born. His name was Jesus, which translated, means Rescue.  

 Jesus came crying. 

God became a man, and not just a human, but an infant—defenseless, weak, and needy.  

Why a cry? 

 Not only did God feel the pain of His people, but He became a part of humanity. A cry was the perfect choice after all the distance, the silence, and apparent abandonment.  

A cry said you are not alone. I am here with you. I’m one of you.  

 A cry captured the sentiment that life is hard. We often don’t have all we need or appreciate all we have. A cry says I need more; I need help. Someone, please help me! 

God’s answer to our questions is to join us in our challenge. The promised restoration brings understanding. God identifies with our sense of separation by coming close. He doesn’t come to show His authority. He comes to join us in our weakness, so together, we can be more. 

That’s the Christmas story.  

What’s your story?  

When one goes through tough times, the last thing he wants is for someone to tell him all the ways he went wrong and what he should do differently. 

What means the most is when another person is moved with compassion. Empathy resonates deep within the human soul when there is understanding. Compassion feels authentic when there is a tear, a cry.  

The scriptures teach us to weep with those who weep. 

A cry broke the silence, Jesus weeping with His people, Israel. Israel--the very name means to struggle with God.  

Are you struggling these days?  

Like ancient Israel, we find ourselves crying out, “disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight.” Come, O come, Emmanuel.  

God’s answer? A cry.  

Emmanuel means God with us.  

You are not alone. Jesus does know. He identifies with your human condition, and you too, have His promise. 

 Restoration is coming. Jesus emerged victorious over death the third day after his crucifixion. He left the tomb empty as a reminder that sin is forever conquered and he makes all things new. 

In John chapter 16, he assured his disciples, “in this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I’ve overcome the world.”  

One day, the archangel will cry, “Jesus returns!”  

 When? How long? We don’t know. 

Until then, remember: when you cry—you do not cry alone.  

Written By Gary Kendall