Awakened Souls

At the entrance to Wal-Mart and other stores this time of year, you’ll hear the familiar Salvation Army bell ringing on behalf of the voiceless…for those in need.  Perhaps you’ll be inclined to give an extra gift or two….maybe even bake something for a neighbor or donate items to a charity.

This heart of giving to others is what Christmas foretells.  Christ coming to earth to give the gift of salvation and redemption to each of us…..to bridge the gap between God and man that our disobedience created.  Especially at Christmas, I am reminded of those who have less and those who live in despair and darkness.  Many of them yearn for the light of Christ, for hope and a hand of care….yet there is no one nearby to tell them, to encourage them or to point the way.

So, as we enter 2013, I encourage all people of faith to re-commit to our common duty to “preach to all nations” the good news of Christ.  In a humble spirit of kindness, grace and love, we are to reach out to all those around us….rich and poor….organized and disorganized…..pleasant and hateful….dirty and clean…..and share the light we have inside and to give with no strings attached.

May the joy of Christ be with you as you seek to obey God and serve the least of these among us at not only this joyous time of year but throughout the year as well.

AWAKENED SOULS

Awakened souls amidst the grief

oh humankind’s own hand;

Where sorrow creeps so steadily

And hope but all disbands.

~

Tis a light to enter in

This hope that some still bring

This hope is lodged in Jesus Christ

His light, to all…to sing.

~

And when we sit in darkened stench

When all around us frays

Tis only light from His great throne

That brings us hope, amidst the gray.

 ~

But oh the joy that comes beside

when all else seems but lost.

All hope and grace and joy can be

When Christ’s own heart exhausts

for us He gives deep life ‘er known

True life He gives to me.

And when you turn each time to Him

Your heart will know true peace.

 ~

So seek the Lord the God above

Seek Him rich and poor

Salvation comes at this great hour

through His wide open door.

 ~

And to the souls whose hearts are free

to those with more than less

I plead that in your heart today

You’ll give to all the rest.

~

Give to those who struggle here

In darkness and despair

Give to those who yearn for life

Who’s hearts now burn for His great care.

~

And give to those that sow the seeds of hatred and despair,

Give to those you cannot stand,

Give to those that strike you down,

For they the Lord he too does care.

 ~

But do not spoil this moment now

Go right away, don’t haste;

Go and give yourself away

For in that time you’ll know for sure

It’s to the poor that God embraced.

~

-WGS

12/23/12

Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV)