Glory to the Light of the World

My worship playlist was on as I waited for praise team practice to start. The hallways were bustling with the sound of Seeds of Hope preparing gifts for over 200 foster kids. A full and thriving life group connecting over the Word was happening in the Gathering Space. The local girls basketball team was practicing diligently in the gym. The Walkers were in the middle of working hard, and I had the blessing of holding a sweet and sleeping little Leo in my arms while they were busy. We found a calm spot in the sanctuary, sitting under the softly lit wreath. The lyrics to Light of the World played and I sang quietly along.

“The world waits for a miracle. The heart longs for a little bit of hope… The drought breaks with the tears of a mother. A baby’s cry is the sound of love come down. Emmanuel! Glory to the Light of the world.”

Looking at Leo’s precious little face, I can only imagine how Hannah and Garrett felt when they heard his cries for the first time. The moment their whole world changed because of this beautiful gift of a child God had given them.

Mary and Joseph didn’t hear basketball teams or gifts being sorted or talk among friends. They didn’t have a sterile hospital room or trained nurses or experienced doctors. What they had were bleating lambs, bellowing cows, scratchy hay, and frigid wind seeping through the cracks in the stable.

Uniquely as he came, Jesus rang out his very first cry, and the sound of love come down from heaven echoed throughout the universe. For not just Mary and Joseph, not just the shepherds who visited that night, not just the wise men who came bearing gifts a few years later, not just his cousin John or the disciples he would teach. Love poured out for each and every person from that moment on until he comes again. If you are waiting for a miracle, if you are hungry for more, praying in desperation - behold. Your King, the Messiah, Emmanuel, God with us, the Savior and Redeemer is here for you.

Glory to the Light of the world.