Hope for Everyone

 In the final days leading up to Christmas, I start taking things off my list, to simplify life and find some room to breathe. I know most of us would appreciate some good quality down time, so this is an invitation to hit “pause.” Let’s try to imagine ourselves at the manger, taking in the wonder of a newborn baby, and consider the mystery of God coming to us in this way. This is the One who holds the Promise of Hope for each of us, no matter our lot.

You who are weary and worn. May you find rest seeping into your bones as you cradle him in your arms.

You who are weighed down with shame and guilt…May you feel the grace of this moment as you gaze into his eyes.

You who are hardened up against pain and loss. Take a moment to look again, stroke his soft hair, watch as he opens his eyes to you, and let the hardness begin to melt away.

You who are forgotten and lonely.  There’s a place for you here too. Let him grasp your finger with his tiny little fist and feel your profound connection in this grand scheme of humanity.

You who are wise and learned… Consider all that is yet unknown about the millions of synapses occurring in that little brain, all that complexity and intricacy formed from the joining of two cells.

You who are strong and powerful, that have fought hard battles… in wars, on the streets, in the public square, may the way he lived out his life be your guide and inspiration.

You whose life is dominated by chronic pain or illness… may a seed of hope be planted deep within and generate even a little place of healing in your memories, your cells.  Then let it grow. May you find redemption of suffering and genuine hope for a day when all sorrow and pain will be gone.

You the skeptic, full of doubt…  You the disillusioned, with all your unanswered questions.  Just consider for a moment, what it it’s all true?  What if that little babe in Bethlehem really was God made man? What if He really did choose to leave his throne, to become so vulnerable, not only in the manger but on the cross?  What if He really is orchestrating a grand plan that conquers everything that has kept us weighed down-- in defeat and despair, in loss and suffering, in fear of dying?

Yes, it really is true!  Sometimes it’s hard to see it amidst all our pain and uncertainty, our broken hearts and broken dreams.  This Christmas may we crack open the door, even just a bit and let the “wonders of His Love,” His tender mercies, bring us lasting peace and joy, not in circumstances or things, but in His Presence. And may you find His Hope to be an anchor for the days to come…

Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness.

Opened my eyes let me see.

Beauty that made this heart adore you, hope of a life spent with you…

Lyrics from Here I Am to Worship, written by Tim Hughes and Darlene Zschech.