Malachi 3:1-4 / Luke 1:68-79 / Luke 3:1-6
2 Advent C
6 December 2009
Another week has passed.
And there’s more darkness.
We were just leaving worship last Sunday when we heard about the senseless murder of the four police officers in Parkland. We woke up Monday morning to hear the news that Maurice Clemmons had been shot dead in South Seattle. And the week which has followed has brought words of deep mourning, as well as tales of conspiracy to keep both crime and criminal hidden.
Tuesday we heard our President tell us of the continuing darkness of Al-Queda and international terrorism, but also that more soldiers … husbands, wives, children, friends and family … would be going to Afghanistan to fight in that almost ten year long war.
Closer, here, our prayer list this week has brought us word of trials, difficulties and illness in and among our own faith community.
Outside, the days grow shorter, the shadows fall earlier … the darkness increases, and the nights are bitterly cold.
And we need a word of True Hope.