Scripture: John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Thought for the Day: I know there will be some (maybe many) who will roll their eyes at what I will suggest, but as I was working on my sermon for Peace Sunday (this coming week, the second Sunday of Advent), my news feed brings me word of another mass shooting. I find myself torn as I read the language of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, whose life witness proclaimed a radical alternative to violence. I read words like “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies.” And when violence came his way and his disciples attempted to protect him with the sword, he told them to put away their weapons and he healed an individual who had come to arrest him. Jesus demonstrated the servants heart in his sacrificial love for the world, and then we are told to take up our own cross and do the same.
I don’t know exactly where I am going with this, but I hope you understand the tension and internal conflict I am feeling as I prepare to announce the arrival of the Prince of Peace into our world…a world that remains obsessed with violence. I imagine many of you are grappling with what the Christmas message is for us and what it demands of us. Pundits and politicians will all give their opinions, but will the voice of Christ be heard? Will Jesus, the incarnation of God’s dream, be made obvious in those of us who claim to follow the One who is light and life for all people?
Prayer: Where are we going wrong, Lord? Where are we going wrong? Where is the transformative news of your love not being manifest within the life of the church? Call us again to faithfulness and to the challenging ways of Jesus. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY
Second Sunday of Advent
“Peace Sunday”
Sermon: Too Much Wrapping Paper
…and then Sunday Evening
