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December 6
In reading Psalm 79, I was reminded of the dichotomy that persists throughout the holiday season. We have the hope that is the birth of Christ, but we understand this event is not in isolation. This year we exist knowing that though the lights have been lit and the trees have been decked in celebration, many are persecuted for their faith and wars are raging for political and ideological vendettas. In moments vying for priority, where will we focus our attention?
Within this Psalm, the verses lament the sins of the church as an institution and recognize a need for action. It speaks of infiltration of the church and how this negatively influenced actions of the church and the congregation. One commentary I read on the topic referred to the church as being under attack. In 21st century America, I feel that I have heard similar rhetoric and wonder if we have weaponized our community to explain a new form of infiltration. If we aren’t similar, then someone is wrong. Our community, and God"s community, is made up of those that follow Christian principles and those that do not. The attack of our relationships with one another is driving wedges instead of forging bonds. We cannot neglect part of God"s creation if we are to move forward with an expectation of change.
Psalm 79 ends with a plea for mercy and a hopeful reminder that God will restore us. Returning to the idea of priorities, I feel that this is how we can choose to move forward. We must focus our attentions on the promise of Christ that we are especially reminded of during Advent. This does not mean an apathetic approach to our community in crisis, but a willingness to stand alongside one another in pursuit of hope.
Moving through Advent, Psalm 79 is a reminder to look for fulfillment in the promise of Christ and pray for divine intervention in our broken world. May we work to create a community that is ready for this promise.
Meredith Bailey