“You're almost where the waiting ends
Delivering the life within
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
You're almost there
You're almost where the journey ends
Where death will die and life begins
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
You're almost there“
Tonight may not be the actual night that Mary was laboring, but as I am waiting for morning, I can’t help but think about all who are anticipating the new day with me.
Some are waiting in sorrow for tomorrow to be here so that the dark night is over and they have survived another night without a loved one who is no longer with them. Some are waiting anxiously, as excited as their children to wake and experience the excitement of Christmas again. Some are waiting ever so patiently for the obligatory time with family to be over so the abuse of another holiday can be put behind them.
This holiday, as with most, holds complicated emotions for a lot of people. I’ll admit I’m there. It’s a different kind of Christmas this year, and forging new roads isn’t something I enjoy. So, I’m thankful that there is so much beyond Christmas to focus on.
Friends, family, health, safety... The list of things that we have been blessed with could be almost endless if I sat down and really focused. Above all, I’m thankful for the reality of the gift that was offered so many years ago. This tiny baby who gave up deity and came to live with the frailties of humanity in order to offer us the hope of something beyond this life is definitely someone to celebrate, even if life doesn’t seem like it has room for stopping to worship him.
So tonight, I’m holding people in my heart, even though there are few with us this year. I’m praying peace on ones I know who are struggling, praying grace on those who are in a situation they’d rather not be in, praying protection on ones who are not in places where they feel safe. I’m remembering Mary and the God who was with her through her whole waiting period. And I’m realizing that he is still here, with me in mine.
He can be with you in yours, too, friend. Whatever you’re waiting for, all you have to do is ask. Be it good or bad, the waiting is always better with support.
Delivering the life within
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
You're almost there
You're almost where the journey ends
Where death will die and life begins
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
You're almost there“
Tonight may not be the actual night that Mary was laboring, but as I am waiting for morning, I can’t help but think about all who are anticipating the new day with me.
Some are waiting in sorrow for tomorrow to be here so that the dark night is over and they have survived another night without a loved one who is no longer with them. Some are waiting anxiously, as excited as their children to wake and experience the excitement of Christmas again. Some are waiting ever so patiently for the obligatory time with family to be over so the abuse of another holiday can be put behind them.
This holiday, as with most, holds complicated emotions for a lot of people. I’ll admit I’m there. It’s a different kind of Christmas this year, and forging new roads isn’t something I enjoy. So, I’m thankful that there is so much beyond Christmas to focus on.
Friends, family, health, safety... The list of things that we have been blessed with could be almost endless if I sat down and really focused. Above all, I’m thankful for the reality of the gift that was offered so many years ago. This tiny baby who gave up deity and came to live with the frailties of humanity in order to offer us the hope of something beyond this life is definitely someone to celebrate, even if life doesn’t seem like it has room for stopping to worship him.
So tonight, I’m holding people in my heart, even though there are few with us this year. I’m praying peace on ones I know who are struggling, praying grace on those who are in a situation they’d rather not be in, praying protection on ones who are not in places where they feel safe. I’m remembering Mary and the God who was with her through her whole waiting period. And I’m realizing that he is still here, with me in mine.
He can be with you in yours, too, friend. Whatever you’re waiting for, all you have to do is ask. Be it good or bad, the waiting is always better with support.