from a distance

Not so very long ago... waiting for Christmas to come... the workers of Jackets for Jesus, our ministry to the homeless of Los Angeles, were caught up in a robbery. Christmas was weeks away. It was a cold night. The McDonald's we were sitting in was empty, until some young men came in, masked, guns in hand and forced the workers on the floor while they emptied the registers and safe. It was pretty scary. It was the second time we'd been caught between the guns and money on a Sunday night.

Our workers are dedicated.

Christmas music was playing, we'd been ignoring it until the end of a pistol silenced us all... then we heard it clearly, Bette Midler singing her Christmas version of "From a Distance." She was in full voice, mid chorus, singing "God is watching us, God is watching us..." Peace moved freely. Robert started singing along. Our hearts, while not yet beating, were at ease. It was as if God WAS watching us and from not too very far away. It seemed like He was right there.

The song now holds a special place in each of our hearts. Bette Midler jumped way up my list of favorites- she'd become a messenger of peace when we needed one most.

Christmas is just weeks away. So much will fill our lives in the days to come. Some of it will be amazing... some heartbreaking... some of us will face disappointment we never anticipated... God is watching us and from not so very far away. He's in charge, even when life gets out of control, we choose to live in His peace... or not.

It may be October- but it's a Christmas song of the day -it's a great reminder of His Presence through it all this last year. A reminder that regardless of what's out ahead, He'll be there, we can share His Peace. We can prepare our hearts for joy: God is watching us.

Play the song of the day in the sidebar... don't get too caught up in the words... think of some scary guys with guns in McDonald's and the amazing message one song sent to some frightened people... He has a message for you in your most frightening moment... when it all comes down, listen... God is watching us.

Merry Christmas!

Click to hear music file