Lectionary readings for December 11, 2011:  Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John…he himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.  The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

John 1:6-9

In the Gospel reading for this week, John the Baptist is keepin’ it real—about who he is and who he is not.  Who Jesus is and what his coming brings to our world. What distracts and what is really true from a spiritual point of view.  This is never easy.  During this season we wander somewhere between high hopes and deep dread…longing for connection and profound loneliness…generosity of spirit and poverty of soul. We kill ourselves to keep up with what the season requires while dying on the inside.

Especially as we get further and further into the Christmas season, we have trouble discerning the spiritual meaning of things. True enlightenment is just beyond our reach.

The practice of observing Advent reminds us that in a culture full of clutter and distraction, we seek to make room for what is essential. In a season frantic with consumerism and superficial sentiments, we are committed to creating space for what is real.  In hearts driven to distraction by a multitude of cares and concerns, we do whatever it takes to “prepare the way” for some sort of meaningful connection with Christ.

In the wilderness of spiritual emptiness that often characterizes this season, we join John the Baptist in “keepin’ it real” by proclaiming our faith in what is true.

Advent Credo

It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—
This is true: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,
That whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.

It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—
This is true: For unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of Peace.

It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth,
And lo, I am with you, even unto the end of the world.

It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted,
who are the prophets of the church, before we can be peacemakers.
This is true: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
And your sons and daughters shall prophesy,
your young shall see visions, and your old shall have dreams.

It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity, of peace
are not meant for this earth and for this history—
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that true worshipers
shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope.
Let us see visions of love and peace and justice.

Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage:
Jesus Christ—the Life of the world.