The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Habakkuk

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

How long must we wait for redemption?  The question that the prophet asks is asked in faith. It is also asked in pain and longing.  We have all heard the statements about the God shaped vacuum within us.  Whether we accept this or not the prophet presents it as a given.

It is said more gently in our Christmas songs.  “The world in solemn stillness lay.”  “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”  Before the incarnation the longing was for Christ to come as the conquering King.  This is still true of his followers.  Some ask the question in faith and others in fear and anger.

We demand that God show himself on our terms instead of following in faith as he asks.  Our tapestry holds many moments of longing.  The crimson thread here is a loud echo of that longing.  We can long in faith or in faithlessness.  The former makes much more sense to me.  

I will long for his return.  I will long in faith.  I will mourn the pain and suffering in the world.  I will feel anger at the injustices.  I will also do all that I can to be good to others and be a sources of hope.

How Long – Michael Card

How long will you forget, O Lord? (How long? How long?)

How I long to see your face, O Lord? (How long will you hide?)

How I struggle with my thoughts, O Lord! (How long? How long?)

Suffer sorrow in my heart, O Lord! (How long will you hide?)

How Long? How Long?

You won't even give an answer, Lord! (How long? How long?)

Give me light or I can live no more! (How long will you hide?)

My foes rejoice when they see me fall! (How long? How long?)

We have overcome and now they call! (How long will you hide?)

How Long? (Will you hide from me?) How Long?

How Long? (Till you set me free?) How Long?

Still, O Lord, You are so good to me! (How long? How long?)

My heart rejoices how you set me free! (How long will you hide?)

You're the Savior that I'm hoping on! (How long? How long?)

How I trust in your unfailing love! (How long will you hide?)

How Long? (How long?) How Long?

How Long? (Will you wait forever?) How Long?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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