SERMON SNAPSHOT

Dear Friends in Christ –

One of my favorite columnists is Michael Gerson. He is Christian. He lives and writes in Washington, DC. He comments on much of the dross and drivel of the day with what I consider to be a perspective consistent with one who follows Jesus. He speaks truth (yes, it is ascertainable) and advocates for what we (followers) would believe to be in Christ, of Christ.

In an article this past week in the Washington Post he describes Advent:

“This is the time of the Christian year dedicated to expectant longing. God, we are assured, is at mysterious work in the world. Evil and conflict are real but not ultimate. Grace and deliverance are unrealized but certain. Patient waiting is rewarded because the trajectory of history is tilted upward by a powerful hand… the assurance at the heart of Advent is the antidote to fear. No matter how desperate the moment, we are told, time is on the side of hope.”

In these times we need an antidote to fear - and to incivility and to pandering and distraction. We need to believe the reality of the mystery we proclaim.

In our text for this 3rd week of Advent, John is in prison - pacing, agitated, fearful that his work, his life may have been in service to a poser.

When he sends his disciples to question Jesus. The incarnate God (thank you) says this, “Tell John…”

See you in/to worship!