Daily Light: Reflections for Holy Times - Comforters and Companions

Comforters and Companions

“…and they were filled with great fear. The Angel said to them, “Fear Not” for behold, I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

- Luke 2:9-10.

“And they were filled with great fear…” Terror. The response of all humans to the unknown and all things we can’t control. These things, whatever shape they take, bring us face to face with our mortality. The worldwide pandemic has certainly done so! We recognize, with fewer distractions, that this journey we are on will come to an end sooner or later. We look around eagerly for directions, signposts. The only reliable one points to Bethlehem.

As hard as it is for us to believe, the Creator longs for connection with the people he made in his own image. We are invited into the unknown with God as our companion. His companionship makes it a safe, though perilous journey.

In our fear and anxiety at the invitation, God sends us comforters and companions. The shepherds were privileged to have angels reassure them. God always sends someone! I invite you to look around and see who are the comforters and companions God has sent you on this bleak stretch of the journey. Emmanuel. He is always with us.

Though Darkness still her empire keep,
And hours must pass, ere morning break;
From troubled dreams, or slumbers deep,
That music kindly bids us wake:
It calls us, with an angel's voice,
To wake, and worship, and rejoice;

- Anne Bronte (1820-1849)

Lyn Baker
Spiritual Director
Author