A Welcome Change

This week we will be celebrating the second week of Advent. As you read Romans 1:1-7 and Matthew 3:1-12 (below), be thinking about what peace means from a biblical perspective. For instance, in the sermon on the mount, Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be children of God.” What is the difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker?

Also, in light of our readings for this week, watch the two video clips below from the movie The Girl in the Cafe. In the first clip, Gina (played by Kelly Macdonald) questions the interests of a particular nation (or nations) vis-a-vis the interests of the globally poor. Then, in the second clip, she questions the commitment of those who have the capacity to make decisions, albeit it difficult and costly, that would benefit millions of starving children. Was she right to raise such questions?

As you know, Wednesdays are the highlight of my week, and I can’t wait for what promises to be a lively and potentially transformative discussion!

Romans 1:1-7 — 1 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus,6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Matthew 3:1-12 — 1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming,2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan,6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance.9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

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