Emmanuel

We hold our breath. We close our eyes and listen. Our hearts strain and lean in.

We taste it, salty between our teeth. We feel the shadows deepen all around us. The chill wants to chase down our necks, and freeze our hearts with fear.

But on such a dark night, in such a lost village came the Emmanuel. A star shone over a weary world. A people being crushed under the hand of a cruel tyrant looked up and saw light. They gasped in hope, and looked up into light.

We hold this light, this hope, in our hands. While this world creaks and groans, we know a new creation is coming.

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The glory of the Lord is the light within our messy midst.

The light shines brighter in the night, because of the darkness.

Hope, in my deepest moments of despair, becomes tangible.

Light, when grief has enveloped us and ripped our breath away- this Light carries us.

Emmanuel, God with us.

But not waiting to come till morning. Not holding out till we become perfect. With us, before we awake in His likeness.

This is hope.

This is light that conquers darkness.

This is love that overcomes hate.

His name is Emmanuel.

God with us.