Be Born in Us
Ever since I lived in Kensington, Philadelphia the idea of Advent and Christ being born among us has been different.
I remember back to those days of people constantly knocking at our door in desperate need of food or clothing. I remember ice, unjust landlords, and a sense that God really did need to do something.
Especially for Mary. The woman who would beg on the corner, who was occasionally given a warm place to sleep in exchange for sex. Her alcohol addiction was just one of many things that made her someone…who needed a miracle.
So many people in Kensington needed miracles when I lived there. That is what it takes for someone to overcome their addiction to drugs.
I have memories of opening the door to empty faces, the faces of people who are just coming down off of a crack high. I remember the sad faces lit by the dim streetlight, their bodies shivering.
And me, not knowing…how to love
Not knowing
How will God make everything right here
Only knowing
How desperately God needed to make everything right.