By Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
“For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2-3, NRSV
This is the time for realizing
That this deep hope is
For something real.
Impossible
Say the voices around us
Firmly fixed in cynicism, despair.
Impossible
Says the evening news
With its montage of tragedy.
Impossible
Say the politicians
Inciting suspicion, fear.
Impossible
Says the hurting heart
Daring to dream no more.
Impossible
Says the “rational” mind
Trading wonder for logic.
Impossible
Say the statistics
And the violence
And the hatred
And planetary ruin
And hungry bodies
And broken lives…
And…
Yet…
A bright star emerges
In our longest, darkest night
And those wisest among us
Choose to chase it.
What they hear it saying
Through the shining
Is worth the vision
They journey to find.
POSSIBLE
It says of:
Equality
Justice
Kindness
Forgiveness
Redemption
POSSIBLE
It says of:
An end to poverty
A nonviolent way
Radical compassion
Peace on earth
The kingdom of God
POSSIBLE
It says of:
A table of welcome
With a feast spread wide
For all people–
Even those we fear
Even those who fear us–
To come and be nourished
And reconciled
And healed
And blessed.
POSSIBLE
It says of:
Our deepest need
The deepest dream
Of the Holy
Birthed in us
Through us
With us
For us.
This is the time for realizing
That this deep hope is
For something real.
Spiritual Practice: What possibility are you invited to follow this Advent season? What does it mean to trust the promise of the incarnation in the world today?
Wow! Powerfully and beautifully said! to me it says we all must try harder to follow in His footsteps. It fits in with my thoughts for the Christmas Eve service. Thank you.