11/29/2022
And then we had one of those Zach thought I was posting, and I thought Zach was posting moments... We'll get it together by Christmas I promise.
Tuesday, First Week of Advent
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.
Isaiah 53:4
The Christ Child does not come into a world that is pure and undefiled. On the contrary, the world has been deeply infected-with infirmity, disease, sin, sorrow, and death. All of us have come to experience the pain of infirmity and disease. Yet none of us could do what this child has done for us. This child, in his life and death, bears the burden of our infirmities and our diseases. If we truly understand this, the prophet says, we would “hide our faces” to even look upon him, for he bears the truth of ourselves in his death (Isaiah 53:3). But for our sake, and the sale of the whole world, he makes these infirmities and diseases his own, so we may share in his mercy and love.
On the counter of Mr. Gower’s pharmacy lies a telegram bearing tragic news: Mr. Gower’s son, Robert, has died. Robert was a casualty of an influenza, as were so many others who suffered this most tragic pandemic. Mr. Gower, distraught and drinking on the job, mistakenly puts poison in a prescription. George Bailey sees it all, and even at his young age recognizes Mr. Gower’s deep pain. George comes to his aid by not delivering the prescription as Mr. Gower ordered. Though at first deeply angered and even abusive toward George, Mr. Gower comes to recognize the truth of his mistake. Humbled, he falls to his knees and embraces the young George Bailey. Through his tears, Mr. Gower expresses deep gratitude. George never speaks of the incident, as if it were a confession buried in the depths of promising absolution. The life of a child can rescue the lives of others.
Father, thank you for sending your Son Jusus to bear the pain of all our infirmities and diseases, and making us whole. Amen
