Pictures, songs and candles

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Today millions of Americans will gather to celebrate and remember the presence of God entering the world in flesh and bones.  Tensions will rise as families rush to iron clothes and make their way to church on time.  Wiggles will be had as children sit in the pews. Pictures will be taken so that others believe our lives are full of joy. Our favorite songs will be sung, words of hope and love will be spoken and candles will be lit.  As the candles are extinguished we will return home to tables of abundance and gifts under the tree.  When light dawns tomorrow there will be a rush to unwrap the gifts laid under the Christmas tree.  By nightfall, the joy has decreased, and the world's reality has begun to creep back into our very existence.


As people who believe that our Savior came into the world as the light in the darkness, love in the midst of hatred, and the unifier when division pervades the situation.  I wonder when the songs that we sing will permeate our souls year-round.  I wonder when the pictures we take will capture the heartache that lies within our weary souls so that others will know they are not alone.  I wonder when the candles we light will stay lit so that those walking in loneliness, confusion, and anxiety will have a light guiding them throughout the year.  I wonder when we will let the wiggles of those unsettled in our buildings remind us that all of us have different perspectives that have a place of belonging within our communities of faith.  I wonder when we will let silence be our center instead of the shouts of disagreements.  I wonder when we will have the courage to be the flesh of Jesus in the neighborhoods in which we live. 


For those of us who believe in the holiness of this night when will we allow the words, songs, and candles of the night to move us beyond the feel-good moments of the night and season?  










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