Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel!

I just finished reading the newspaper. O.K. I just finished with the first half of the paper and then I had to put it down.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

I can’t take the daily Omicron statistics. It’s hard to read about the latest murders, mudslides, and corruption in politics.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

It’s hard to read about immigrants from Iraq who when faced with red tape and violence at the Belarus and Polish border are now making the long trip back with dashed dreams.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

I raise my eyes to Heaven and join with grief and disbelief after another deadly school shooting, this time at a Michigan high school in the U.S. that killed 4 and wounded others.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

I lift up my prayers for the people of Afghanistan where more than 100 former Afghan security forces have disappeared since the Taliban seized control.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

My voice cries out in the wilderness for all those around the world who are hungry, afraid, suffering from poverty, homelessness, mental illness or loneliness, For those who have lost their hope.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

Won’t you rejoice with me for the Good News…that God is With Us, Emmanuel! Rejoice!

And as we wait let us sing together about the GOOD things that we experience daily too:

The love in our families, the cuddles we receive from our pets, food on our tables, our health, our friendships, good work, cozy beds, indoor plumbing, the beauty all around us, soft snowfalls, blue skies, glorious mountain ranges, glass-like lakes for skating, hot chocolate, our church communities, Christmas trees, freedom to practice our faith traditions, warm clothing, talents, interesting books, …..need I go on?

There is SO much to be thankful for ….even amidst the terrifying daily news. For we are not alone. Let us REJOICE!

O come, O come, Emmanuel!