“The coming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but first of all, frightening news for everyone who has a conscience.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Holy One, often, I crave nothing more than to be rendered senseless. As if in a deep and dreamless slumber. Oblivious of the circumstances afflicting our planet, its creatures, and all humankind. Numbed beyond recognition given the onslaught of violence inflicted on the most vulnerable. Content to dwell amongst the distractions of the holiday season. Employing your nativity as a salve for my conscious, so that it is not anything other than nostalgic.
Yet you came and come still not just with glad tidings but as a power and force to be reckoned with. You came and come again not to placate but to radically alter the landscape of our lives and whole communities. You came and come still as a bearer of good news, yes, but one who abruptly awakens us not as accomplices but agents of change.
So, come, Sovereign Jesus, come! Raise us from our self-inflicted lifelessness. Summon us to speak truth to power, comfort the afflicted, and repair your beloved creation. Come, so that we – newly awakened – may be harbingers of your costly hope, peace, and love. Amen.
What a wonderful Advent/Christmas reflection. Thank you!
You are most welcome, Debra! Grace and peace be with you, my friend.
A powerful message on this week where so many of us have bleu Christmas or Longest Night services. Thank you!
You are most welcome, Maren. Grace and peace to you and others who will be leading bleu Christmas or Longest Night services this week, as well as those who seek them out.