When you set your alarm to snooze another hour, because you can’t bear to leave the bliss of quiet, dreamless sleep; when you pour another glass of something strong, because you don’t want to face the pain and sadness that threaten to come out if you don’t; when you hit rock bottom, and you refuse to turn back, because the prospect of living promises to be harder than letting go – that is when God comes to you, invites you, tells you that you are a child of the Most High, someone of value to the One whose judgment is beyond question, a person who has an inheritance (not because of anything you have done or have to be responsible for, but because of the faith and love of God, who dwelt among us, and crossed every chasm to reconcile us).

Do you hear that invitation? Do you see God coming to you in your turmoil, in your despair?

God tears open the heavens and comes down, so that the very foundations of the earth quake, and the land shifts, and the world is transformed, the way that fire turns brush into light, and water becomes an ephemeral cloud of steam.

God always does what we cannot bring ourselves to hope for, to expect, to anticipate. And we, who are overwhelmed by our shortcomings, are suddenly washed in redemption. And all the suffering, all the darkness, all the failure of the powers and principalities, the rulers and authorities, around us, all the loss, grief, and pain, cannot stand before God’s glory, before God’s grace, which comes without fail, and indeed is upon us now, God promises.

Do you know that Christ is near? Do you hear his words of comfort and consolation, even over your own worry and misgiving?

Do not say that God is far off; do not say that Christ will – one day – bring a change to your life. Do not give up in your work (to love your neighbor, to find grace to forgive yourself, and to welcome each day’s gifts with humility and hope). But keep awake, because God’s redemption is at hand, and Christ’s peace is already upon you, and the Spirit’s presence is already within you.

Are your eyes open to see it? Are your ears listening for it? Do your senses perceive it, and your intuition grasp it? Do not go back to sleep. Keep awake.