December 8, 2024 ~ Second Sunday of Advent
Worship Series: “Come Home for Christmas”
Rev. Beckie Sweet
Every time I hear this Scripture text from Luke’s third chapter, I am transported to one of the many productions of Godspell which I have enjoyed. With credit to Stephen Schwartz, my favorite part is when a soloist begins: “Pre-pare ye the way of the Lord. Pre-pare ye the way of the Lord.” And as this is repeated the number of singers increases as if bystanders are coming to believe in this mission!
Then my mind shifts to the round in our hymnal (#207) by Jacques Berthier who composed most of our Taizé choruses, “Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord! And all people shall see the salvation of our God.”
John’s role, then as it is now, is to remind those searching for a Messiah and the salvation the Messiah will bring, of Isaiah’s prophesy. The Messiah will come as the One who will provide reconciliation for all those who have experienced trials, suffering, separation, betrayal, temptation, unfair treatment, unloving treatment, and so on.
But, this is PEACE Sunday! This is the Sunday when we are supposed to feel, deep within our souls, the presence of Emmanuel, the forgiveness of our sins, the promise of brighter days ahead. And yet, our prescribed message title is, “The Fear of Home.” That doesn’t sound like the “comfort and joy” message we may be hoping to hear during this Advent season.
For far too many people it is not as easy to “go home for Christmas” as one might expect. Some are afraid to go home, or afraid of home. Maybe pain has been experienced at home; maybe one has felt unfairly judged, neglected or unloved. Despite our desire to have home be positive for everyone, there are many who would be afraid of going home, fearing what might happen there.
I have shared here before about my experience providing spiritual support and guidance to incarcerated women in Wayne County, PA. One concept I learned while engaged in that ministry is that, upon release from prison, it is best for the newly freed person to get a fresh start somewhere other than … home. Why? Home was where temptations which lead to a life of crime was often present in drugs, alcohol, those who encouraged stealing, those who were physically violent.
In order for the newly freed to establish healthy patterns of living, they needed to live and work in a location removed from HOME. Even if the newly freed were convinced of that need, and were able to find a dwelling and employment, at this time of the year, the emotional yearning to go home and reconnect with family and friends, was understandable. However, if those returning were still fragile, resisting the temptations and standing strong in the face of emotional abuse to which they may be exposed was close to impossible. It was only after those freed had established a new identity and strong emotional resources, that one could return home without relapsing into prior behaviors.
While our circumstances are likely different, there are far too many situations where “going home” can induce fear, anxiety, grief, and dread. How do we transform such anticipation anxiety into an opportunity for reconciliation, love, and care? How do we create an environment that will nurture PEACE? The call to Come Home for Christmas means overcoming our fears that things will not work out the way we would hope, and it means committing to be an example of kin-dom living into which we invite others. We do that by partnering with those making ready for the arrival of the Messiah.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make the paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth,
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
The “Time Until” app on my phone tells me that there are 16 days
until 6am on Christmas morning. There is still time! It will probably not be easy! It may even be painful for a while. But we need to be intentional about creating an environment where all are welcome, where those present appreciate what each one brings, want the best for everyone and believe that God created each one with the capacity to live a happy, loving life that contributes to the good of all. We may need to dust off the family ties that make folks want to come home. We may need to fill in the potholes containing negativity from days gone by. Yes, we may even need to redirect conversations to allow for each one to feel validated and safe in sharing their true selves. Then, and only then, will hearts be receptive to the peace which surpasses our understanding. We are not facing these challenges alone! That peace is what we find through Emmanuel, God with us.