This song by H.E.R. captures the sentiment of Advent. Written by two of my favorite singer-songwriters, Scott Mulvahill and Alanna Boudreau, Lord is Coming evokes that depth of longing for justice. In the midst of the lion’s den, in the midst deep injustice, in the midst of seeming hopelessness, there is hope that is known even if it is not felt.
2018 has been so full of darkness:
- Refugee children being separated from their parents at the US border
- White nationalism and antisemitism with the murder of 11 people at the Light of Life synagogue
- White nationalism in the deaths of Maurice Stallard and Vickie Jones in Kentucky
- Mass shootings in Parkland and Santa Fe schools and the unwillingness by our leaders to make actionable change
- The murders of Antown Rose, Emantic Bradford Jr., Botham Shem Jean, Jemel Roberson and so many other black men, women and children unjustly by the hands of police officers
- The continual denial and dismissing of climate change by the US government
And yet, the Lord is coming.
To imagine Mary as the birth of Christ neared – how was she longing? How was she preparing? In the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), she sings these words:
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
How much we too must long for this justice! Christ indeed is our hope; He is here, yet He is coming. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Theotokos, pray for us!
(Source: benwildflower)