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OUR HOPE. REJOICE!
Luke 2:8-15
What is our hope? Jesus Christ is our hope. Not a program of peace-
making drafted by wise men and women. Not a philosophy that can be
globally embraced. No, our hope is a Person, the Child born of Mary
long ago. Our hope is Christ who came long ago to Bethlehem and who
offered Himself as an atoning sacrifice on Calvary's cross. Join with us,
then, and with Madeleine L'Engle, in thanksgiving and praise.
First Coming
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait
till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the myster y of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
For to share our grief to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
-VCG, 2006
DECEMBER 22
