We are now entering Advent (or more plainly - we are in Advent). Sometimes entering takes more than the change of a day.
The trip went better than expected though heartache and joy are inextricably weaved together here. The loss of a loved one, the inability to discuss it, the pain of a damaged marriage and a child hanging in the balance. All those things are difficult to deal with and color the ability to enjoy without reservation.
I am thankful for a lack of conflict, for safe travel and for seeing those that are far away. I am thankful that life goes on in the midst of hard times. I'm not trying to be dreary, just trying to keep going and keep focused on the hope that a baby in a manger brings to us all.
The absolute best contemporary expression of this for me is found in RelientK and the song "I Celebrate the Day"
"And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever"
What a vivid picture of the impact of the incarnation on the world. That God coming would change our existence forever. That in the midst of where life goes there is hope for the future and for the kingdom of God to live on earth, among the believers.
When I heard that song last year, I resonated with the first verse:
"And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be"
Last year I felt I was in the same place. I can not say that now. In fact, I probably wished last year that things would change. Be careful what you wish for.
This year I stand in turmoil on so many fronts. The babe in the manger is all that I have. All other things have been stripped away. Material security, purpose and direction, assurance - it's all morphed or moved to the point that it is hard to identify where the path lies and what the future holds.
So, if you can identify, stand with me before the manger. Enjoy the tiny eyelashes and mini digits that surround the finger of the mother. Gaze at the look on Joseph's face as he takes in the picture of his newborn son as tears roll down his cheeks into his beard. Believe in the angel that hangs in the night sky outside. Know that God is near. He is here. He is with us.
