This is certainly a time of transition. We are saying goodbye to the old year, and welcoming the coming of the new year, the coming of the Christ, and the coming of a new chapter of our life together in the ever new world God is making. And this is a time in which we work together to continue the ministry and God’s mission for St. John’s, until the time when God calls your next Pastor.
It's also a time of upheaval in our world and sharp divisions in our country, which makes it difficult for folks to speak to one another about political situations without quickly devolving into insults and accusations. Let us pray for the President, and all elected officials, that they both honor the truth and conduct their duties with respect and compassion for their colleagues across the political aisle. And let us pray for our country, that respectful dialogue can happen, and healing can begin.
In spite of our divisions, God doesn't leave us without direction even in times such as these, and the people of God have from the very beginning longed for the promise of salvation in the middle of dark times. Just look at Mary the mother of Jesus' exclamation at the annunciation of the incarnation of God:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” (Luke 1:46-55)
That is the way of Emmanuel, God with us. Not “God is on my team and not yours”, but God looking at and speaking with and listening to and eating with me through you and with you through me. This doesn't just mean “be nice”, but knowing that God is in the face of those we simply can't see eye to eye with, speaking and listening to the truth even when it's hard to say or hear, and relying on the presence of God’s Spirit within us to act with love toward all our neighbors.
May God bless you with a joyful Christmas and peaceful New Year,
