(Scripture in middle: John 1:1-5, Matthew 11:28-30, John 1:12-14)

Come

You who have clicked to hear - come near.
Be released from fear, and find here a first step into what could be.
For what should be - what was - has been buried under the buzz of what deceives
And I’ll leave that one there for now. I won’t even ask you to bow, but simply ask how.
How are you? How far you’ve come, in just the time you’ve existed,
yet sometimes so tight-fisted or eyes-misted that you’ve missed my invitation
I’m asking - don’t yet change the station.
I know that’s your inclination - to turn the page, or click the link, and in a blink you’ve been taken from the brink of hoping what could be, back into anxieties of the same.
Passing blame, and so take the first step in confession,
This is not a self-help session, but a journey into the New, but you may discover that You
First need to let down your load. The road you’ve traveled has unraveled your design, and signed you up for more burden than was intended. And you’ve pretended for long enough, saying you’re strong enough to carry it on your own. But you were not meant for the throne, or to do so much alone - only in silence can you honestly groan. And I hear you.
I have heard you, don’t let that unnerve you, but continue forward, toward a response to what you hear - may it become clear that you can let down your defenses, throw down your fences and pretenses. Here I only want you. Not what you do. Not what you’ve done. I invite you to simply come. There wasn’t one day I’ve not walked with you along the way. Whether bright clouds, stormy, or just gray - I’ve heard every word you pray. Come closer.
Let down your guard, and all the things that try to keep us apart.
I already know your heart, but as you come, I invite you to start knowing mine.
Father, Spirit, and Son. As the sun climbs in the sky, and paints all with golden hues - you may find your views have also been in the dark. But as a small spark can lead to endless flame, I invite you to rest - and be blessed - I’m glad you came.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

It may seem uncouth, but in this space of receiving my grace, Do you sense this?
Don’t seek to become senseless. The holiness contained in a single moment we’re together, nothing can ever sever you from it. Whatever tries - we can overcome it.
Now, from this summit - unburdened by all lies, look with my eyes to your world - a people hurled into the deceptions of their own devices, the prices they pay simply to stay in the gray,
not allowing my Truth to hold sway. You know you cannot stay here, but never fear -
I will go before you, have gone to them already - holding steady my love for all I’ve made,
even those opting for shade when my sun offers to shine.
With your life in mine we can offer others hope, those at end of rope,
struggling to cope with what’s required, telling them we’ve retired Pharaohs’ demands.
And my invitation stands as much for each of them as it does for You.
And all you’ll need to do - is share what you know
As now - you go. As you are sent. Remember time spent with me will never be wasted.
As you’ve tasted a sample of what I give - and by dying to self - you live.
In a world gasping for breath, living in constant fear of death - you go as one who breathes.
One who receives all you need, from a savior who would bleed for His creation
But don’t go selling elation...

This is not devotion to an emotion or a misguided desire for the “other”,
This is not a simple bandaid, or pretending our enemy is suddenly our brother
This is New Creation - both arriving and proclaimed, Holy Spirit sustained,
received and sending you out on the winding path of faith
Not promising you’ll be safe - but promising to go with.
Unlike any myth the world has ever known
A God who leaves His throne to come and die
And only as we join Him in Jesus - will we discover fully why...