Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NIV Study Bible) – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,”

Message: The song, Turn! Turn! Turn!¹, written by Pete Seeger was made popular in 1965 by the Byrds.  I didn’t realize at the time that it was Biblical.

This Christmas season was a low for me; I was down and weepy because, at the time we celebrate our Savior’s birth, I am always reminded of the loss of the love of my life, Dave.  However, I realized that Jesus died for us so that we could have seasons of reflection without condemnation; to rejoice or grieve and to get a better perspective on the path ahead.

Jesus went through many seasons in His life too.  Just like us, growing up He would have had times to play, times to learn, times to pray and times to worship and, under Roman rule, no doubt some scary times.

During His ministry, He would have seen people respond enthusiastically to His call, others who refused to listen, and some who were threatened and more interested in power and wealth. 

I can’t imagine the pain He must have felt on Via Dolorosa as He journeyed to Calvary.  Then, hanging on that cross enduring the anguish of dying, yet knowing that His suffering and death would become His Father’s greatest gift offered to you and me.

God gives all of us the opportunity to learn from those experiences.  Look at Peter!!   He was a complainer; he denied Jesus 3 times; yet Jesus forgave him and Peter became one of the most faithful followers and leaders that Jesus would have.  I believe that after our low times, we can find a new time when we can best appreciate what God has given us and respond gratefully and thankfully.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we all suffer lows in our lives; yet when I am truthful, I realize how SO VERY MUCH YOU BLESS ME!!  Please help me to remember that fact and to pray for those who are going through their lows, that they will come out the other side REMEMBERING that Your gift of love was given to all of us in, possibly, YOUR lowest moment.  In Your wonderful name I pray with thanksgiving.  Amen.

Jan Morton

1.     “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by Pete Seeger.  1995 © Copyright.  Published by Melody Trails Inc.  Copyright managed by Easy Song, 12800 Whitewater Drive #275, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, USA.  Permission not required for Title which is Public Domain.