Be Near to God

We should be afraid, of course,
to be so near to God.

We should be startled by the glory of God
and the disruption of angels.

We should be freaked. out. that God even blinks
in our direction, let alone that God dares us
to walk a new path just to see what
God can do with life.

“Do not be afraid; have a child.”
“Do not be afraid; leave your home.”
“Do not be afraid; give up your reputation.”
“Do not be afraid; press on through hardship.”
“Do not be afraid; face a powerful enemy.”

Or,
be afraid.
Be totally overwhelmed.
Be stunned and terrified, in fact,
but here’s the critical part:

be near to God
anyway.

Rachel Hackenberg

All Is Well

All is well all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing Ale
Sing Alleluia

All is well all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ's come go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing Ale
Sing Alleluia

All is well all is well
Lift up your voices and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia
All is well

Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia
All is well

A Christmas Ago

 Although this was written fourteen years ago, it's words hold true for me this day. 

 

Holy Son of God made flesh!

To walk with me this broken road---

Speaking truth in my confusion

Spilling grace to cover sin

Transforming harsh realities of pain

Shining light to push back the darkness

Replenishing this tired spirit

Holding fast my hand, my heart…

O Holy One…You have captured my soul

by the sheer beauty of this divine romance!

I worship You.

 

Juanita

Christmas 2006