Advent Love

Today, we reflect on a well-known Christmas carol as we consider the condition of the world, the longing in each of us, and God’s love for us.

The song “O Holy Night” has a line that sings, “the soul felt its worth.”

Other words that stir me are “pining,” “yonder breaks,” and “the slave is our brother.”

Pining: suffering with or expressing longing or yearning for someone or something.

Yonder breaks: a new day is coming, and darkness is no longer in control.

The slave is our brother: our salvation is tied to solidarity with the least in society. When there is solidarity, hope for a better future arises.

What are you pining for?  How soon will yonder break? And when will we begin to stand in solidarity, realizing the slave (we who are chained/addicted to sin: hurts, habits, or hang-ups) is our brother?

This last question is what now stirs in me, “When has my soul felt its worth?”

Sit with that.

Breathe in the sense of “felt worth.”

Has your soul ever felt it?

When has your soul deeply felt its worth?

How long has it been?

Is it possible to feel it again?

What can you do for your soul to feel it’s worth?

How long will it take?

How will you recognize it?

Has God ever used someone to help your soul feel it’s worth?

Has God ever used you to help someone’s soul feel their worth?

What does it feel like when your soul feels its worth?

The soul felt its worth: the value of being loved by God.

These photos of my nephew remind me how long God has loved me. Whether or not my soul has “felt” its worth, I am forever loved and cared for by my Creator!

May you gaze upon these images and sense the love of God holding you until your soul “feels” it’s worth!

Merry Christmas, friends!