November 27, 2023
Listen:
Read Along:
The Impossible Dream
by Mary Long
I am one of the older members of our church. Many of the dreams I held as a young person have been fulfilled beyond my expectation: a loving and supportive husband, the opportunity to explore far away places, a successful and rewarding career, and a church home that has provided a loving community and opportunities to serve and to grow. I can relate to Psalm 126 which states that when the Israelites dreamed, their mouths were filled with laughter and their tongue with shouts of joy. They realized that the Lord had done great things for them, and they rejoiced. However, others of my dreams have been smashed due to tragedies involving family members. And a sense that America has lost its way has been devastating.
Dare I still dream? What about a reawakening of a vibrant, compassionate Christian faith that sparks major changes in our city, our country and in the world? What about our church overflowing with young people, many of whom choose to go into Christian service? In this Advent season, as I contemplate God’s entry into the world, I pray that hope will fill my heart, and I can dream for what may seem impossible to achieve.
Langston Hughes wrote:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
“The mystery of the Biblical story is that God also laments.”
“Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.”
