I was raised by parents who had experienced the sudden, tragic loss of two of their children. Two years before I was born, my mother and sisters were in a terrible car accident. My sisters, 3 and 4 years old, were killed, and my mother almost died herself. In fact, the doctors said that her survival was a miracle ~ words not used lightly by emergency room physicians. Both of my parents often told me that God sustained them through their grief. Their faith gave them hope to go on, peace that was beyond human comprehension, and brought joy into their lives again.
On Friday, the day we all were reminded of the evil that exists in this world, I got a phone call from a friend. She called to ask if I would like to sing in the choir with Michael W. Smith at his concert on Saturday. Of course I would! One of the songs we sang was "All Is Well."
All is well ~ in this broken, fallen, violent world, because of His love for us. This world was broken, fallen, and violent 2000ish years ago on that night in Bethlehem when not one selfish person would give up their room to a young girl in labour, and within 2 years of the Messiah's birth, a cruel, power-hungry man would order the slaughter of who-knows-how-many innocent children. Yet the angels still said:
“Glory to God in the highest,All is well ~ because He came to that world, He comes into our hearts and lives, and He will come to take His bride home. I had forgotten all about this song until I sang it on Saturday. I have been singing it frequently since; It has been a source of comfort to me. Perhaps it will be to someone else as well.
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
I am linking up with these lovely ladies throughout Advent:
2 comments:
Wow, Juanita, your family certainly knows what the Bethlehem families went through more than many others. And how cool to sing with Michael W. Smith!!
Lovely song, perfect for this time.
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