Emmanuel, God with us

“The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2

I remember 
in my bittersweet morning
holding joy and sadness,
it is the first day of Advent. 

It occurs to me that this season is never routine
but always timely, 
Always needed, 
Always desired 
for where I find myself 
Today.

The promise of the coming Messiah is not just a has-been event. 
It is precisely relevant, still, in our darkest days of the year
The reminder that not only did God come as a helpless baby to live, die, and rise again for our salvation,
He is coming again for the fullest redemption and restoration of 
All creation.

The hope of Advent transcends the history it celebrates.
It is a reminder, whetting our souls for what is yet to come: 
The completion of all that is Righteous, Just, Mercy, and Love. 
It is not only a remembrance of what was, 
nor only a promise of what will be;
It is that which is now,
in this moment, 
our Truest Reality: 

Emmanuel, God with us.

~em

Photo Credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash