This election has stretched on – like a long, sweaty, sleepless night. It’s hard to believe that daybreak is finally about to arrive. Votes will be counted. Winners will be declared. And millions of us will be struck by the terror of loss.

Our nation is in a media-induced panic. It’s growing stronger every day, every hour as this contest reaches its conclusion. Thousands of professional propagandists are spending millions of dollars to get just a few more of us frightened enough to vote for their candidate – or against their opponent.

We are in a dark place as a nation. The whole world is watching, astonished to see America coming apart at the seams. It’s been a long time since our democracy has seemed so shaken.

This frenzied atmosphere is a challenge for those of us who would like to be friends of Jesus. It’s hard to live amidst such fear, vitriol, and uncertainty and not be caught up in it ourselves. Yet it is through us that God wants to bless the world – to shine light in the midst of darkness. Groundedness in the face of chaos. Love that tackles hate in a bear hug and refuses let go.

We are children of the light. That’s who we’re called to be in this season. God’s love is no less real today than it was yesterday. It’s a life and power that wants to flow through us, lighting up everyone around us. In the midst of pervasive fear, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ is pouring out joy. Do you hear it?

Why do we look for the living among the dead? Why do you and I fret over the power struggles of this fallen and broken society? We are called to so much more. Jesus has given us authority to give so much more. Will you open up your clinched fists so that your hands can serve? Will you un-clinch your jaw so that your mouth can speak the good news? Jesus is Lord – and the rulers and powers of this world are not.

As millions of us head to the polls, you and I are invited into an even deeper level of participation in the struggle for the soul of this nation. Our truest vote is our growing commitment to live in the love and justice of Jesus, who takes away all occasion for wars and striving and contention.

This is bigger than an election. Our calling is to participate in the restoration of the whole cosmos. In a society where the world of ideas seems to be shrinking by the day, God offers us a canvas of pure imagination where our love can paint until every square inch is full of color. Do we dare?

It seems so dark right now. But that’s just because we still aren’t awake to our purpose. We are the children of the light. And the world needs us.

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