Week 3: Liberated to Joy | 2023 Pre-Conference Devotional

When have you felt a sense of comfort in your life? Perhaps it was through something as simple as a soft, fluffy blanket or a warm beverage on a brisk morning, or perhaps it was something deeper— - the heartfelt embrace of a loved one, or the presence and listening ear of a dear friend during a trying time. In moments of hardship, comfort can bring relief and ease to the weariness we may feel. 

This passage by Isaiah names God’s favor, provision and comfort for God’s oppressed people, particularly those who mourn. Today we reflect on the bolded words below from the upcoming Conference’s theme “Liberated to Love”, predicated on Isaiah 61:1-3a NRSVUE:

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion… 

In the Northern Hemisphere this time of year, the days become shorter and nights longer as we journey deeper into the Advent Season. The literal darkness of the world around us can bring about feelings of destabilization and discomfort, particularly as we may mourn and grieve missed opportunities of the imminent year’s past, consider possibilities of the family we may long for but not have during traditional holiday gatherings, or experience past or present hardship. 

For many queer Christians in particular, the holiday season may bring up feelings of loneliness and discomfort as there may be reminders of the family or community one longs for but does not yet, or may not ever, have in the way one has hoped for. 

Yet in this passage, we are reminded that God is full of comfort to all who mourn, and is a God who provides. The prophet Isaiah speaks about proclamation, and the power and impact of sharing the Lord’s favor, the day of vengeance to our God, the comfort to all who mourn, and the provision for those who mourn. This serves as a powerful reminder of who God is, and the presence, comfort, and provision God has. These words speak to the liberation from the weariness that may burden many during times of mourning, and is a powerful reminder of the hope set before us.

Even without a biological family, perhaps one may find a chosen family that provides liberation to reimagine family beyond the boundaries of blood and flesh. Though we may see darkness as something to fear, we can also reimagine it as a tool for healing—darkness can help restore our bodies by providing quality sleep and rest. When someone experiences an intense headache, they may find refuge away from the light and in the shadows of darkness. In moments of mourning and hardship, we may be reminded to remember and savor the life and experiences we have, and find joy in the present. In these moments of grief and mourning, let us take a moment to reflect on how we are liberated to reimagine the fuller joy set before us. 

How might we experience joy together with our grief, particularly in these seasons of Advent and Christmas?

Join us for Conference!

Have you registered for the 2023 Liberated to Love Conference?

This is your chance! Conference is an annual gathering where about 1,000 or more LGBTQ+ Christians, parents, and allies: gather for worship, fellowship, workshops, and keynote speakers; make lifelong friendships or reunite with those friends; experience healing, transformation, and hope; witness the fullness of God's love and affirmation through each other.

Visit the link below to learn more!