Darkness, Interrupted

As we prepare to enter the season of Advent, here's a poem that provides the theme for our church's journey this year. In addition, starting tomorrow, keep your eyes out for daily devotionals to guide us on our advent journey.

Darkness
This world is not what it was meant to be
This world aches for peace
This world is not free
And neither are we

The spotless snow, the firelit glow
The quiet town wrapped with a bow
The manic consumption
The family home
The presents all stacked in a row -

They are but gift wrap for the curse
Just tinsel draped over a hearse
We don't need better packaging
This world needs a new birth

We cannot hide the darkness
The darkness we have done
The darkness we've become
But God gives no cold comfort to a world grown numb
Not some romanticized
God gave his Son

Light breaks in
That's what this story's all about
Not just at the manger, but from page one to the final shout
We flee from heaven,
We face it with violence
But God chases after us
To reconcile us

That is out hope –
That God wrapped in glory
Broke through this world's night
Those walking in darkness
Have seen a great light

Unto us a child is born
Unto our instanity
Unto human history
Unto our humanity
Unto us a child is born
Unto us who flee Him
Unto us who hate Him
Us, who don't believe Him
Unto us a child is born
A light for this dark season
Unto us a child is born
With blood to pay our treason