We see that need, and with the prophet Isaiah, we cry out to God, “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence!” We see that the world’s problems are bigger than we are—perhaps even our own problems are bigger than we are—and that we all desperately need this God who loves us so much that he joined us, demonstrating not only solidarity but a simple, eloquent desire to share our lives, to live them with us.

Let’s not skip to the end too quickly, friends. This season has much to teach us, not only about being truthful about our need, but also about waiting, about love, and about humility, tenderness, and hope.

I’ll see you in church,

Becky

Prayer

Gracious Lord,

We are a world desperately in need of you.

We are angry, impatient, tired, and hurting.

We hurt each other, sometimes simply by ignoring each other.

Teach us to take a breath before we speak,

or before we walk on by.

Teach us to respond, at least a little,

to the world around us.

Teach us to value the gifts we have been given,

and also to share them.

Teach us to share in the love that you offer

so freely, so generously, so tenderly.

Forgive us for holding too tightly to things,

and free us to participate in your love for the world.

Amen.