“What we do when we leave the manger says a lot about who we met there.” – Bob Goff

That phrase is sticking with me today. It’s just two days since Christmas and already my routine is changing. My Advent books are back on the shelf. The final to-do list of 2012 is quickly filling. But something about this Christmas just won’t let me go.

Perhaps reading the Story in a new way opened my eyes to see the humanity of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, and even Simeon. Perhaps it was the extended time of rest with my family. Or it might have even been the losses felt most deeply this time of year. I know without a doubt that those hurting and grieving in Newton have been laid heavily on my heart.

The manger points me to the God who entered into the mess and anguish of our world in order that He might bring us light.

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16

There’s something about the darkness we witnessed on December 14th which made the light that much more poignant.

We grieve, but because of the manger, we grieve with hope.