Dear Brothers and Sisters at Reveille,
This morning, I opened my paper to a very large headline that simply stated “INSURRECTION” with an image of the mob in Washington, DC, preparing to overrun the U.S. Capitol.
If you are like me, the image is surreal. This foundational location in our country and history has represented a solid place despite the upheavals of our history. Alongside the image, there is a confusing picture of our President and his role in this action. All the while, we are still working through the unchartered waters of a pandemic and an uncertain two weeks ahead.
Last night, many of you were able to gather with us at our Epiphany service. We had the opportunity to pray together, even as the riots were dispersing. We read the story of the Magi and how the star appeared over the young Jesus. There was also an obsessive king who was desperate to stay in power and would do whatever it takes to stay on the throne.
While there is the temptation to make a political statement, and a clear opportunity to do so, there is a more lasting message for us on this day after Epiphany. Jesus was born into a land like ours. The star that shone two thousand years ago illumined a world that is very much like the one today. The Magi and the Holy Family had to deal with political leadership and scheming then and we continue in their footsteps.
Even so, the good news is that our faith and scriptures are not foreign to the fears and questions we have today. Our Lord was born into the world we are looking at this morning. That means that even though the headlines are intimidating, they are not alien to the faith around which we gather.
I hope you will continue to join me in prayer throughout these coming days. Let those prayers flow from a soul of confidence. Our faith has stared down situations like this before and is fully capable of doing it again. This does not deny the reality of the evil that has befallen us and our nation. But it does remind us that Christ is still the light of the world, and in him there is no place where there is no hope.
Let me also say that we have already recorded the service for this Sunday, and as a result, we will not be able to provide the level of prayer and attention to these specific events that would be ideal. However, we have a guest preacher, Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., from Wesley Seminary. He will be speaking on the topic “Repairers of the Breach” with an incredibly relevant message for the day, that by God’s grace, speaks clearly to the events of this week. I hope you will plan on joining us for that message and worship this Sunday. Also, in the spirit of the light of Epiphany and the Child it yet illumines, please join me in prayer for our nation and our community during these tenuous times.
Love In Christ,
