16th December: There were two types of singing that first Advent – songs of joy and songs of lament. Whilst different in emotion they’d both have been sung with great passion. In today’s episode, Matthew explains that both kinds of singing are still important today. We need to find an authentic expression of both gratitude and grief – of happy and sad songs. Sung from the heart.
Discipleship Blog 
Great to be reminded that there is both joy and lamentation in our midst. Awareness of lamentation stirs our hearts, and that leads to joy!
‘Today the heart of God is an open wound of love. He aches over our distance and preoccupation. He mourns that we do not draw near to him. He grieves that we have forgotten him. He weeps over our obsession with muchness and manyness. He longs for our presence. And he is inviting you – and me – to come home, to come home to where we belong, to come home to that for which we were created. Foster, R. (1992) Prayer, Finding the Heart’s True Home. London: Hodder and Stoughton, p.1.
Today many people lament at Christmas. When the jolly festivities stop, when the turkey is eaten and the wine bottle empty, some feel an emptiness, a deep loneliness, seated in not knowing our God is out there.
Now we can come along and witness to the true joy of Christmas. May we take every opportunity now and in 2019 to make the introductions.
And may this be an event to celebrate – … for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:6
This really spoke to me today. Thank you. Firstly, because I just discovered that there was a podcast link to the advent readings so that I could hear the message that comes more easily to me than reading it. Secondly, I have been nesting for the last few weeks frantically getting the house ready and have been listening to the Mariah Carey Christmas album. It is a great album which has a mixture of happy tunes whilst at the same time having tunes of sadness as missed loved ones are recognised. It struck me how easy it is to swing through that pendulum of joy and happiness to grief and sadness and that is o. K. This is something addressed in bereavement counselling and a way to encourage people in their grief. Thank you for your advent blog and for all you do to teach others. Bless you.
I must have missed this days podcast.. as i just listened to it. so many of the Christmas carols and hymns are sad as well as happy but that maybe because my husband died in April and I am still sad.. and although i have to fight back the tears as i sing them, you are right, it does help. having my lovely sister stand next to me and hug me when the words get tough, helps too!
Thank you for your encouragement. This will be a difficult Christmas for you, Deborah. May you continue to sing your songs to God, even if they are sad. The Lord receives them. God bless.