⁶ For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Great will be his authority,
    and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isa. 9:6-7, NRSVue)

The season of Advent is moving to Christmas and Christmastide. I have to peek ahead. With what we face in the world today, the chaos all around, the suffering we see in war… I don’t long any longer for Jesus to come and “take us away.” I long for Jesus to come here and rule and reign. I long for his justice to roll down like waters.

For hunger and infant mortality to end. To study war no more. To walk in light instead of choosing darkness.

O come, Emmanuel!

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, 2019)