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Longing for Songs of Hope

Our Revelation pilgrimage concludes with:
“See, I am coming soon;
my reward is with me,
to repay according to everyone’s work.
I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

My Hudson's Bay point blanket was mostly used for the 17 summers I attended a boy's camp.

Even though it's a well-made blanket, the metal cot's springs were pretty tough on its edges.

The blanket eventually ended up in my closet somewhat worse for wear.

When David Brooks wrote an editorial saying the moral threads of our society are fraying, my blanket came to mind as an image. 

Particularly now, the moral threads of our society seem to be falling apart right before our eyes. 

I see this most clearly in latest mass shooting at Uvalde elementary school killing 19 children. 

I also see morality unraveling by denying someone communion because of a political position, or attempting to accumulate power at the expense of others.

Jesus says, "I am coming soon."
I believe our souls long for songs of hope in the meantime. 

To me, Revelation 22:12-14 is the song needed as moral threads of our society continue to unravel and we enter this time of longing and sorrow.

"Standing on the Promises" is where I would begin since I am certain God keeps promises, and if Jesus says he's coming, he's coming.

"He Leadeth Me" is another song I would sing because I know Jesus steps into our longing and heartache, and will assure us with heavenly melodies.

"Shall We Gather at the River" would be a concluding song because it reminds us we are baptized people in a covenant with Jesus to sing the songs of faith and hope.

"Amazing Grace" was the song played at a community gathering in Uvalde touching souls and gave voice to their grieving. 

Just as my Hudson's Bay blanket is folded in the closet waiting for the next use, so I am waiting for the coming of the Lord to build the New Heaven and Earth.

Come, Lord Jesus.
Come.
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