Stand by Night (advent day 15)

Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord!

Psalm 134:1

It's been a few years since I was up feeding a baby in the night, but every time I read this verse it takes me back to the sleepy, largely unwelcome moments when I was.

Nobody likes getting up in the night. Especially with a ravaged body and an energetic toddler or two eager to greet the dawn. But I also knew it was important and holy work: standing guard against hunger, neglect, loneliness. Building into my kids the ability to trust and love in the future. Showing them again and again that they are loved and cared for.

I love imagining the servants of the Lord, standing in the temple at velvet midnight, torches ablaze.  There was no light pollution to compete with. The temple light would have gleamed for miles.

The shepherds, too, were serving at night, keeping watch over their own flocks. And when the angels announced the birth of the Saviour, they blazed and sang "Fear not! There is born to you a Saviour!"

I think a lot of you stand by night in the service of the Lord. Watching over your own particular flock of heartache. Caring for your children. Weeping over a hidden sorrow. Praying for restoration, redemption.  I know what that's like. The world sleeps, but your light is on. It might be unseen by those sleeping around you, but it is not wasted. Your wakeful work is kindled in the compassionate, tender heart of God Himself.

He sees. He knows.
And He has not forgotten.

"Fear not," He sings to your longing heart, "there is born to you a Saviour."

And the light of that torch gleams for miles.

(Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord!)

Fear not. There is born to you a Saviour.
Merry Christmas, friends.
xo.