Seventh Day of Christmas

January 1
I’m not convinced we ever truly leave the land of despair once we’ve been there. But the very fact that we’ve been there prepares us to minister to others. For it was someone else who showed us the way out. We couldn’t find it on our own. They found us and just by being with us they gave us hope. They walked with us through the carnage, acknowledged the horror of it all and yet still had that spark about them, unquenchable. They somehow knew victory was already won, that life is stronger than death, and hope conquers despair. And they gave that spark to us afore they departed. They showed us the power of community. We do not journey alone. They showed us the power of hope. They showed us how to see with God’s eyes. For what in despair appears naught but caked mud and clotted blood is, in reality, the embodiment of God infused into all of creation and just slightly covered by our inhumanity. Our humanity awaits underneath. And despair no longer holds any power over us. The seventh gift of Christmas is seeing all creation, particularly all people, as what God created them to be rather than just what they’ve thus far chosen to be. Merry Christmas!