And Into Such A World As This

We have quite suddenly been stripped of the festive trappings of the season.  Our grief resounds over the tragedy last week, our tears flow for the families and sweet children and brave, loving teachers.  The world seems so dark and full of despair.  We ache for good news.

And breaking suddenly into such a dark world as this, there appeared a great light to give hope.
         "Do not be afraid," the angel said to them.
         "For behold,
           I bring you good news of great joy
                  which will come to all the people,
           for to you is born this day in the city of David
                 a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

           "Glory to God in the highest
              and on earth peace,
                     good will among men."

                                       Luke 2.10-11, 14

God still breaks suddenly into our lives, like a shaft of light through the gloom, no darkness too deep.  And as the angel announced on that night, "He is here."

May we read the Christmas story with different eyes this year, and sing carols not out of tradition or sentiment, but words afresh proclaiming "The Lord has come."  And that makes all the difference, good news of great joy, Immanuel -- God IS with us.  We are not alone.

In Him was life,
and the life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

                           John 1. 4-5