God with Us

Thank the LORD

for Immanuel, God with us,

in this time—especially in this time—

for His realness, His rawness,

the aching joy of every longing heart

twisting to turn and catch His eye.

Immanuel, God with us,

comes close to the cuts and scrapes

of our souls and shuffles through

the scratchy parts of our lives,

where no one enters but Him.

Thank the LORD

for flesh and blood that embodied

the One, the only One, who would

understand the underside of our suffering.

He is with us in our scars and open wounds,

saving us with His nearness, His necessity.

We are not alone, no matter

how lonely we may feel.

The truth of His nail-pierced hands

tell us surely He knows what it is

to be isolated, to be love.

Immanuel, God with us,

come to set the captive free,

come to raise the lowly.

His punishment brings our peace,

hope from His heart, an anchor

for our wandering hearts.

This is the One

our wilderness waiting has led toward.

God with us, embedded, devoted,

has come.