December 10, 2025 Advent Blessings of Hope, Peace is the centering word for the second week of Advent, but in yesterday's gospel we didn't hear a word of peace. Instead we heard John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This was a dangerous thing for John to be doing. The lesson makes no mention that Roman soldiers were in the region, but with such a crowd of people spewing into the wilderness to see what was taking place, they had to be there to 'keep the peace'. When the religious leaders came out to witness what was taking place, there had to be concern that this man, this outsider, was threatening what they were preaching and teaching. But this man John, this witness, the prophetic voice of God, cried out to everyone to repent - to turn around and to turn towards God. To live in accordance with how God called his people to live. Who is in our midst shouting that the kingdom of God has come near? What are they shouting? Are we listening? These are but a few of the questions we'll discuss tonight at dinner church. I hope you'll consider joining us for church and conversation. May peace abound this Advent, Pastor JJ |
