In Dark TImes

Dear Jesus,

It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately. 

The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Over the news we saw series of despotism, killings, and even missing aircraft. Are we one-button push away  from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker these days. But  you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were night shift workers. The wise men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence. 

Heron went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your days. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed and pain. We, like the wise men are looking for a star. We like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger. 

We ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,

Your Children

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Original text by Max Lucado's God Will Use This For Good