2 Samuel 22.2-7
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent people you save me.
“I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and have been saved from my enemies.
The waves of death swirled about me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
“In my distress I called to the LORD;
I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.
The holidays are notoriously stressful. Yes, tis the season to be jolly, but once the Christmas music starts playing, everything and everyone seems a little more on edge. With school and work in high gear before the end of the year, in addition to the added responsibilities of carrying out Yuletide traditions, we get distracted. Who wouldn’t? This passage serves as both a source of solace in times of stress and a reminder to remember why the Christmas season exists—not to panic through parties and wish lists and last minute obligations, but to celebrate the personification of God’s love with those dear to us.
Grace Gilker, Higher Ground & Variations member
