At this end of Advent, we are looking for the light to come into the world. Sometimes that is physical light, sometimes that is enlightenment. Also, our task as Christians is not just to imitate Christ, but particularly at this time of year, we need to imitate John, and testify to the light.

Today "Martin Luther" came to visit us at Holy Cross. He came to share with us his hope for the church is based in Psalm 46. The world may be changing rapidly, and the future of the church is changing, however God will be with us, no matter what.

When I think of a staff (or stick) it really isn't the type of comfort I'm looking for. Although, when I look at how staffs have been used in biblical history, I see that they can bring freedom, authority, and health. Those ideas can bring comfort -- even if the stick itself doesn't do anytihing for me.

Why would John the Baptist question if Jesus is the Messiah? He knew this from an early age. Maybe John's expectation that Jesus would free him from prison causes him to miss the miracles that are happening. We do that in the church. Our expectations of what Jesus is supposed to do, causes us to miss the miracles that are being performed. For those miracles we give thanks to God.

God has called people throughout history. God continues to call people today. Our calling as Christians is to be people of peace and hope. May times of conflict and fear not derail us from living the peace and hope God calls us to.

Jonah tries to run as far away from God's plan as possible. God doesn't give up on Jonah though. God also doesn't give up on Ninevah. God doesn't give up on us as well. God's mercy is for each one of us.

God makes a few promises to David. We tend to focus on his descendant being the eventual Messiah. However God also promises peace to the nation and that David's name will be great. We're still woking on the peace part. It can seem like no progress is being made on that, but it is. We are building a house for God out in the world by bringing peace to it.

Imagine if God couldn't be bothered to answer when we come knocking. Fortunately God could be bothered. God acted at the time of the flood, the time of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Maybe our persistance is really just a way of going deeper into relationship with God.