Litany of Confession, Grace, & Journey to the Star-Child (Advent 3)
The times were trying. The world was dangerous.
Into those times Isaiah, son of Amoz speaks.
The world is a place filled with violence and evil.
Isaiah speaks God’s vision. He names the sins of the people.
He places before the leaders and people, the consequences of their actions.
Humanity’s sins have come to roost. Hope is hard to find.
The prophet’s vision reflects the consequences of sin.
We confess we, too, have sinned. We re-commit to strive to live as called.
Speaking God’s word to a king, the prophet points to a time of renewed hope. He points to a young woman who carries a child.
By the time that baby is born, God will be with the people.
Seven and a half centuries before the birth of Christ,
Isaiah offers hope to come with the next generation.
God’s hope for humanity and the world lies within each newborn.
Times were again trying seven and a half centuries later. In the time of Mary and Joseph, life was grim and the world dangerous.
The people yearned for the messiah, who would change the world.
The nations were occupied by hatred and the power hungry. And God points to a woman with child.
The star-child, our savior, will be born to Mary.
Yet again we face times of fear. Into these violent times we yearn for hope.
Within the star-child of Bethlehem is a new beginning.
Love manifest. Emmanuel. God is with us.
The magi perceived the hope of Christ. Herod feared it. Many rejoiced as Jesus came of age and began his ministry of hope, peace, and love.
Love manifest. Emmanuel. God is with us.
Though it is hard to perceive in times like these, God does not abandon us.
Within each newborn, within each human being lies another way, the way of God.
Love manifest. Emmanuel. God is with us.
Turn away from fear and the ways of the world.
We turn our hearts and minds toward Bethlehem.
Turn toward the ways of love and justice and hope.
We turn toward the star-child.
Love is manifest. Emmanuel. God is with us.
Let us worship!
Hymn Star-Child #174 SPP
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Tim is a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, a father of two adult children, and their spouses, and a grandfather of four perfect children. A former early childhood educator, Tim is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has served as pastor of both Disciples and United Church of Christ congregations. As we enter what we hope is the final phase of the pandemic, Tim is beginning a journey of rediscovering himself and discerning next steps. He writes from his home in Albany, Oregon and wherever the Spirit lures him.
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