because of the manger

                                 "what shall we say about
                             such wonderful things as these?
                             if God is for us, who can ever 
                             be against us? since He did not
                             spare even His own Son, but
                             gave Him up for us all, won't
                             He also give us everything else?"
                                             Romans 8:31-32

                             on a night so long ago,
                                 in the little town a prophet
                                      spoke of, a baby was born.
                                         and with His first breath,
                                      darkness was shattered. 
                                   and with His first cry
                                prophecies were fulfilled.

                                       for hope was born. 

                                   a glorious light dawned
                                 that first Christmas morning.
                              a light which no darkness
                            would ever be able to extinguish.
                          and His name is Immanuel.
                                God with us.
                      and because of the manger,
                             God is with us!
                                  and if God is with us,
                                       who can stand against us?

                        is there a promise more staggering?
                        is there a hope more permeating?
                        is there a love more relentless?

                         and perhaps just as astounding?
                                the "us" is all inclusive.
                                the promise piercing the dark
                                   at the birth of Jesus
                                       knows no race or nation
                                            or gender or wealth
                                            or lack of wealth
                                            or status of any type.
                                        it knows no denomination
                                           or worship style
                                           or anything else
                                             we have created
                                             and called 'church'.

                                 no, for the gospel of that baby
                                 as He grew and walked the
                                 very earth He created, 
                              not only accepted all,
                           especially those whom the
                           religious considered unworthy,
                        but actually sought them out!
                        and He still seeks them out!
                          and even those running from the
                          Abba they once knew and loved
                          are in the "us" for truly His love
                          pursues to the last heartbeat.

             and as His heart beat its last on the cross,
             the darkness which was shattered when
                   He was born now fell over the earth
                   as He breathed His last breath...
                        yet that dark was only temporary,
                         for there is no darkness that the
                            love of Jesus cannot pierce!
                          
                           and no matter the circumstances,
                                     He is for you.
                                     He is with you.
                                           and nothing will ever
                                        be able to separate
                                     you from His love.