God is With Us

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow.
The same loving Father who cares for you today will
care for you tomorrow and everyday.
Either he will shield you from suffering
or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings
.

—St. Francis de Sales, 17th century bishop,
Letter to a Lady (LXXI), January 16th, 1619,
from the Spiritual Letters of S. Francis de Sales,
Rivingtons, 1871, p 185

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
(Matt 1:23)

LAST week’s content, I’m sure, has been as difficult for my faithful readers as it has been for me. The subject matter is heavy; I am aware of the ever-lingering temptation to despair at the seemingly unstoppable spectre that is spreading across the globe. In truth, I am longing for those days of ministry when I would sit in the sanctuary and just lead people into God’s presence through music. I find myself frequently crying out in the words of Jeremiah:Continue reading