"All Oppression Shall Cease" by Laura Rodgers
May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; May he crush the oppressor. (Psalm 72:4)
“Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; And in his name all oppression shall cease.”
These lines from the classic Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, echo the verse above from Psalms. King David wrote Psalm 72 for Solomon, and the words also foretell the ministry of Jesus.
It’s hard to live in today’s world without feeling the weight of growing oppression and the rising number of children in need. These realities linger in our minds, even as we enter a season meant for celebration. How can we separate the world’s pain—and the ache in our hearts—from the joy we hope to find each December? We can’t. And maybe we shouldn’t?
Sorrow and joy can walk together. Christmas is a wonderful reminder of that truth. Jesus was born into a world that was also full of oppression and great need.
Every year as we unbox the decorations to trim our house for the holidays, I first unpack the nativity scenes. I enjoy placing the figures around the baby Jesus, setting up each one carefully and quietly. Often in the mornings that follow, I find the scene changed. Each of my daughters will take a turn, when the house is quiet and they are alone, to rearrange and bring the animals, shepherds, Mary and Joseph as close to Jesus as they can be placed.
The humble manger shows us how to sort our unsettled feelings. Gather round the light of the Christ child. Join the animals as they kneel before, or curl up next to, the Savior of the world. May we look to the ultimate example of Peace and Love that He provides for us.