Leaping

An ancient string of hope, tied together. 

Welcoming the arrival of divine presence.

A man dancing with all his might.

A baby leaps with joy. 

Both announcing the One who comes after.

A king displaying his undignified worship before a curious crowd.

A baby tucked safely in his mother’s womb, stirring at the nearness of a kindred soul.

Shepherd-poet, devoted in worship, a man after God’s own heart. 

And a wilderness preacher, the greatest proclaimer to ever live.

Both are undone in the presence of the divine, 

both DANCING with their very lives, criticized but holding nothing back.

They are woven together into an eternal tapestry of what they know and what they cannot quite see. Speaking of One greater, whispering the welcome of the King of kings.

Prophets marked with a seal of calling, duty, and desire.

Yet, only one can imagine, wonder, and wait;

The other holds and designates the ancient reality before him, the long-awaited Messiah.

What is leaping within you in that place of holy waiting?

Where are we recognizing the presence of the divine before a curious or criticizing crowd?

Can you feel the stirring within your own soul as the long-expected Jesus steps into the room?

Will we take up this ancient thread and point toward Emmanuel?