Christmas Lament

Isaiah 9:2–7 

Though he has come,

this wonderful counsellor, 

still we walk in darkness

searching for the light,

still we wander, lost, 

searching for the Way. 

Though he is born,

this child of God, 

his might we turn 

back into war-like heroism,

even while You burn

warrior boots, add blood-

soaked garments to the fire. 

Though he brings peace

to last forever, still

we wait; still we are weighed

down with burden, with

oppression, while our neighbours

are not free. 

Though justice comes through

him, and restoration

of relationships and wholeness,

we have not upheld this way

with You, with the child

born of You, gift to us. 

Our season of waiting is done,

Christmas has arrived,

and still we wait

for justice, healing, peace,

to be born again in us; 

still we wait, for light,

Your light to disrupt the dark.