Scars and struggles on the way, but with joy our hearts can say…
You are faithful, God you are faithful.
I told a dear one this morning that as I light the joy candle this year,
I feel like I am on the “other side” of joy.
The side where I can pump my victory fist to this song.
My life isn’t perfect.
In fact, as I write this, I am weathering a bedtime meltdown—
How’s that for multi-tasking?
But it’s a meltdown that I’d never trade for the silence of three years ago.
That was the year that I lit the joy candle choking on my own breath,
Cursing the silence and the system and my own heart for loving too hard, for holding too closely.
That was the year that I lit the joy candle in defiance.
In response to a gift promised but not yet given.
Not the promise that Little One would be mine.
That’s not the foster parent’s promise.
But the promise of good news. The promise of redemption. The promise of God wrapped in flesh and then a Comforter, a Counselor, and Advocate.
Do not be afraid
The angels said
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. (Luke 2:10)
Not just the ones who have seen the gift, the promise, delivered.
Not just the ones who can pump their victory fist.
But for the ones working their program and beating addiction day after hard-fought day.
For the ones still choking on their own breath, facing Christmas with giant, gaping soul-wounds.
For the ones lighting the joy candle in defiance.
This good news is for you too.
This great joy is for you too.
This is the promise.
And he is faithful.