The Blessing of Chaos

This year, I've been reading a devotional made up of various writings by Madeleine L'Engle (Glimpses of Grace, in case you're interested).  A few days ago, I came across one of her poems that touched me so deeply, I just want to share it with you.  It just seems so appropriate to remember that even though our world is full of absolute chaos, terror, and, dare I say, stupidity, it was into a world just like this that God incarnated Himself, so He could experience that same chaos, terror, and stupidity, and extend His healing, calm, and wisdom to it, thereby beginning the process of redeeming all things, bringing them all into one in Him.  If you're feeling chaotic, afraid, or even stupid (one of my more frequent feelings), remember - it's in the middle of that mess that the Father is most at work.  Happy Advent!

FIRST COMING

He did not wait till the world was ready,

till men and nations were at peace.

He came when the Heavens were unsteady,

and prisoners cried out for release.

He did not wait for the perfect time.

He came when the need was deep and great.

He dined with sinners in all their grime,

turned water into wine.  He did not wait

till hearts were pure.  In joy he came

to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.

To a world like ours, of anguished shame

he came, and his Light would not go out.

He came to a world which did not mesh,

to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.

In the mystery of the Word made Flesh

the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane

to raise our songs with joyful voice,

for to share our grief, to touch our pain,

He came with Love: Rejoice!  Rejoice!