by Bishop Bill Gohl
That child embodies God’s concern for justice in showing solidarity with other poor, struggling and overlooked people; Jesus ultimately promises his disciples that the Holy Spirit will stick with us, guide us into the truth of God’s reign and intercede for us at the very throne of God.
To stand in solidarity with Jesus and as brokers of God’s hope, we need to be more like John the Baptist, willing to challenge more than a few unreasonable expectations and replace them with some deeply prophetic ones.
If we are feeling overwhelmed by the state of our world, and overcome with fears for the people in it, then the words of the prophets are as salient today as ever: behold!
Out of the stump comes the new sprout.
Out of the desert, a path appears.
Those who wield swords beat them into plowshares.
Behold: the people are transformed by the love of Christ - and the world follows.
Behold: despite despair and impoverished circumstances, we share the heart of God for the least, the lowest, and the last until they become for us our sisters and brothers.
God sows the seed of solidarity with us at our worst and in the darkest moments of our lives. Those seeds are watered and bear much fruit when we do the same with others. After all, it is when the wrong seems so strong that even small, vulnerable, but committed efforts can have the greatest effect.
As you wait and wonder, prepare and ponder; may you find yourself shoulder to shoulder with God’s grace, partners in lighting the world anew with the love found in the cradle of Bethlehem and kindled anew in the mangers of our hearts.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest…For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. – Isaiah 6:2-3a, 6-7