by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Hearing the Voice of the Gospel in Life’s Winter

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud Link

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
Psalm 96:1-3 English Standard Version

Where have all the birds gone?

This time of year, I miss the sound of birds chirping and singing. Granted there are a few birds that winter here, but they are not vocal. I miss the singing of Robins and the noises made by Blue Jays. I don’t miss the beak pounding of Northern Flickers on my chimney, however,

The silence of winter can be deafening.

Today marks the fourth day of Christmas. In our Christmas Carol, the Twelve Days of Christmas, today marks the singing of the four calling birds. Tradition has it that these four calling birds represent the four Gospels of the New Testament; of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

I’m not an ornithologist, but I know that birds will call to each other. In the same way, the four Gospels of the New Testament call to each other, they speak in the death of our winter. They cry out together pointing us to God who comes to us in the veil of humanity. They sing together of his life, death and resurrection for all people.

At times it might appear that their voice is silent, that they have flown south for the winter. There are times in our lives when we don’t hear their voice as clearly a we would like. Yet, their voice is always present calling us to remember the faith, hope, and love that has been poured into us this time of year.

Though you might feel like you are passing through the season of winter, may you hear the voice of the Gospels today, always there to remind you that this baby was born for you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado