Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. – Philippians 4:4 (CEB)
I didn’t expect to get emotional when I watched these videos, but the tears just came.
We have been praying since March for a vaccine, and wonder of wonders it’s finally here. These healthcare workers – and over 100,000 more – have been sacrificing their health and lives to tend and care for the sick. They have quarantined from their families. They have stood in to be family for many others so that people would not need to die alone. They have gotten sick. They have died.
I can’t imagine how they feel receiving this vaccination. But I cried.
Last Sunday, we heard Mary’s Magnificat. She sung in the past tense, giving thanks for the great things God will do even though they had not yet occurred. This is the magnificat we wrote in our mid-week prayer and meditation gathering last week. We know not all of these things have happened yet, but because our hope is certain, we can give thanks today for we know one day God will do these mighty things.
And we sang:
“Our souls magnifies the Lord,
and our spirits rejoices in God our Savior,
for the Lord has looked with favor on the lowliness of God’s servants.
God has healed our nations of their divisions
and people listen and respect one another as fellow human beings.
God has transformed our first thoughts not to be of ourselves
but for the good of all.
God has raised up the workers who have been ignored
they are now valued and thanked.
God has restored truth as truth
falsehoods are no longer believed.
God has taken away an attitude of scarcity
replacing it with an attitude of abundance.
God has demolished the privilege of the rich and powerful
for a virus cannot be bribed or ignored.
God has made healthcare a right for all
so none have untreated illness or are unable to receive the care they need.
God has protected those who work in harm’s way
and provided rest for the weary.
When we could not meet in person
God provided technology so we were not alone.
God sped up time for a vaccine to be created
bringing hope and restoring community.
God lifted up the children so all are cared for
all children are read to, each has the same opportunity.
God reminded us that we need one another
our humanity is made real through presence and touch.
Surely, from now on all generations will call us blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for us,
and holy is God’s name.
The road before us is still long, and there will still be too many who will die. But for just a moment, let us rejoice, give thanks, and cry tears of joy together for the Lord has done great things, and we are indeed blessed.
For just a moment, let us rejoice, give thanks, and cry tears of joy together for the Lord has done great things, and we are indeed blessed. #vaccine #COVID #blessed #hope #joy Click To Tweet
