Hope, The Reverend David R. Williams, Advent II--Year C--December 10, 2006

Give us grace, O Lord, not only to hear your Word with our ears, but also to receive it into our hearts and to show it forth in our lives: for the glory of your great name. Amen.

The prayer for today speaks of prophets: prophets preaching repentance, prophets preparing the way for a more healthful and wholesome living delivered from darkness.

To bring this Advent theme of prophesy into our own homes, let’s look at it creatively.

What might these three influences have in common: the prophet John the Baptist; the report from the recently-released Iraq Study Group; and a Chinese scientist by the name of Shi?

Each speaks of darkness and repentance, proposing a way to salvation. Each speaks in the context of an Advent season promising new life.  Each offers profound challenge to us, the listeners, seeking a way through the dilemmas of our own lives.

In the world of John the Baptist, desperation amid oppression may characterize the Advent season.  The people of God in the Hebrew nation, having lived under the rule of autocratic leaders for hundreds of years, hunger for a better world ordained by God. Roman, Egyptian, Greek and Persian rulers have coerced the Hebrews into a certain complacency, yet there remains a hope, a prayer to God for new life, perhaps through an Anointed One, a Messiah.

The voice of John the Baptist quotes the ancient prophet Isaiah in offering words of hope--even as he disturbs the status quo: “John went into all the region proclaiming a baptism of repentance.”

The meeting between the prophet, John the Baptist and the people of God is not comfortable.

We have heard the wise saying “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  John the Baptist offers another sage advice: those who cannot imagine a different future will be condemned to be prisoners of the present. The discipline of repentance and recognition of one’s “darkness” can be such a release and offers the power of transformation. Yes, I may be freed. Yes, I may be delivered from this imprisonment to possibilities only dimly dreamed.

John imagines a different future – a future centered on the presence of God in and a part of the hearts, minds and lives of all people.

“There is no guarantee for success in Iraq. The situation in Baghdad and several provinces is dire,” begins the just-released Iraq Study report. The committee report to Congress, President and American people arrived this past week like a voice from another wilderness.

The bi-partisan ten-person panel seemed to capture the spirit of the one voice of Isaiah and John calling on our country and indeed the world to recognize the darkness: a “dire situation.”

The implication from the panel is that a new and different future can be imagined lest we become prisoners of the present.  The prophetic message is delivered to all of us, not just the President and Congress, but as well to the people of Iraq.

The Iraq study offers a good example of prophetic voice from beyond accepted world view—which we may choose to hear or resist. Often the prophetic voice is as much a threat as a stimulus to our imagination of a more hopeful future.

John is the prophetic voice most often pronounced in our Advent season.  John prepares us for a most wonderfully imagined new day – one ordained by the Creator, by God.  John calls us first to recognize our darkness, personal and worldly shortcomings, transgressions and loss. He calls us to repent.

“All flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

John promises transformation as our reward.

Thomas Friedman’s column in the New York Times this past week highlights a success story not yet realized in most parts of the world. The story offers images of darkness and light, maybe even long-term salvation for our earthly home.

A relatively unknown Chinese scientist happens to be the seventh wealthiest person in the world. Has he accrued his portfolio through shrewdness in real estate? No. Could he have drilled Chinese oil wells? No. Has he been involved in international banking when not in the lab? No.

Shi Zhengrong is the creator of Suntech Power Holdings, a company which makes solar cells, converting sunlight into electricity.  As Friedman says, Dr. Shi understands that China and the rest of planet earth have no choice but to “go green.” Wind, solar and new bio-sources of energy beyond oil, gas and coal define our future survival.  Dr. Shi and his products have found buyers in the international market place.

If Dr. Shi has his way, he soon will be widely selling his product in the United States. North America has not yet heard the “voice in the wilderness” of Dr. Shi and his company Suntech. Change is coming--in spite of our complacent dependence on the Middle Eastern oil supporting conflict in the Middle East and even bloodshed in our own military ranks.

Those who cannot imagine a different future will be condemned to be prisoners of the present.  Dr. Shi and his photocell success offer a sign: Prepare, look deeply into your lives and move into the light.

On this special day in Advent as we heed the words of prophets calling our restless hearts, we recognize a God-given future in three of our young people. Shannon Whitaker, Jessica Roney and Mackenzie Ford have moved beyond their thirteenth birthday. What a pleasure now to celebrate the beginning of their transition from childhood to adulthood in the Journey to Adulthood ritual of “crossing the aisle.” These great kids have been part of the Rite 13 class for two and a half years—showing up on Sunday mornings, preparing, listening to one another, figuring out (with the support of dedicated leaders, parents and grandparents) how to make straight the inevitable crooked or bumpy paths of their life journeys.

Shannon, Jessica and Mackenzie, please stand.  Today is a most special day for you, for your families and teachers and all of us in your parish family. We celebrate this day with you. As you move from one side of the aisle to the other, you continue your journey with new maturity and greater responsibility to discern the voice of God in your own heart as well as in the wisdom of others. Pay attention to your relationship with God and to the prophetic voices along your path of life. Keep alive your imagination, remain constant in your prayers, challenge yourself to improve your world. Care for the stranger.  Listen to the downtrodden.  Share your earnings with the person who cries in the wilderness. Listen attentively to the feelings shared by a friend.  Tell your parents and grandparents and step parents that you love them.  It will blow their minds.

We are proud of each of you.

“Give us grace to heed the warnings of the prophets and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.”

Amen.