Chosen by Carolyn again
Poem
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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 the liberation of
humanity, for justice, human dignity, and
peace are not meant for this earth and for this history --
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
peace are not meant for this earth and for this history --
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that true worshippers 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.
Thought
In this time of global communication, news travels so fast,
and bad news seems to travel faster and further. During the World Wars
thousands of men died months before their families were informed. Today we hear
of these tragic deaths within hours of them happening.
It can be hard to maintain a sense of perspective, but with
the alternating statements in this poem we can maintain a deep sense of hope.
Prayer
Dear Lord
Guide us with your light and your truth
Affirm us with humility, with joy, with faith, and with courage
Amen
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