Empty Shelves and Lives

 Empty Shelves and Lives

Rebecca Carpenter

December 7, 2023

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,

 they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, 

your Savior. I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

Bare shelves, stripped of all decorations, challenged me each day for over two weeks. The entertainment center normally held souvenirs of our travels, family pictures and inspirational plaques. As I thought of adorning my home for Christmas, each treasured item found a safe haven. But then I didn’t feel like dragging out the bins of Christmas decorations. 

            Somehow, the empty shelves seemed appropriate in our chaotic world. While wars rage and unrest becomes normal, crowds rush into a frenzy of shopping. Many can’t afford gifts but buy them anyway.  People are offended by the mention of Jesus and Christmas. They want the glitz and bustle of Christmas but not the One for whom it is celebrated. 

            With nothing to see except pieces of dark wood, I imagined the bleakness of Israel when Jesus was born. Roman occupation suppressed the Jews and made life difficult. Life was hard. 

            Jews looked forward to their coming Messiah as Isaiah had prophesied hundreds of years earlier. Many believed their Savior would rescue them from the tyranny of the Romans.  

            Perhaps their lives seemed empty like my shelves. Were they hopeless and crushed at the state of their world? Did they abandon God, turn to other gods or give up? 

            In our crazy, mixed-up world, we face similar problems to those of long ago in Israel. Wanting an end to despair, people try to find relief in drugs, alcohol, relationships, work… In many cases, there is no hope for the future. Joy alludes them. 

            But there is an answer. 

God, guide us in sharing the Good News this Christmas season.

Amen