[image error]It seems that the darker the night, the more precious the Lord’s songs are to my soul.  As I contemplate the bright colors in Charles Nkomo’s “Reflections” I ponder the paradox of color and beauty which is found in suffering. Nkomo paints of the very dark season of apartheid in South Africa’s history, depicting multiracial families and individuals who were removed from their homes in Cape Town to make room for white settlements. It makes me wonder how the Lord sang over these precious hurting people. I can imagine that His songs may have sounded much like “Because I love you” performed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a choral group from South Africa. “Because I love you, I will take care of you…” Even in the darkest times and seasons, the Lord comforts His people.

This is the message of Advent, Christ come to earth as Immanuel, God with us (Mt 1:23). In the dark of night and silence the skies erupted with angelic voices to announce the birth of Jesus. The Mighty One broke through, not with rebuke but with words of rejoicing, encouragement, and praise: “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace amongst those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14). This Christmas, I pray that the Lord breaks through the silence of night, quiets your soul with His love, and I pray that you would know that He rejoices over you, as He reminds you of His great love for you.

Dr. Suzanne Welty

Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Biola University