And even in this darkest of years, this hardest of years, this loneliest of years, the Hope of advent still comes. And I feel almost giddy that I feel that same hushed twinkle in my heart that I feel every advent. Because I’ve had a really hard year and somewhere in my heart, I worried that the never-ceasing Hope of advent wouldn’t come for me this year.

In a year full of doubts, His advent hope has been steadfast.

In a year full of loneliness, His advent hope has been Emmanuel, always with us.

In a year full of losses, His advent hope has filled the deep spaces.

In a year full of anxiety, His advent hope has been the peace that holds my heart together.

And today, on this first advent Sunday, I’m almost giddy with the relief that His promises have held true. That His faithfulness does endure forever. That He is the forever burning bright Star of hope. I’m giddy that in the midst of my overwhelm, His still quiet voice is a tiny ember in my heart, holding it steady and preparing room in it. I’m giddy that what I thought was just an emptying of me was really a making space for the glory of advent.

And that this year, more than any other, I feel the deep, deep longing of the Israelites. The aching loneliness. The heaviness. And now I realize that this longing is what drives us to the manger, pushes us on our knees, forces us to lift tired hands to the night sky looking for signs of His coming. And in the dark night of this December, we can feel our hearts stirring, feel the tiny ember we’ve been clinging to turning into the sparkling bright excitement of advent. And we can know this Hope eternal. The hope that never ceases no matter what our hearts are going through. No matter what losses we’ve endured. No matter what we face this year. And we can sing out with the angels, that yes, even in this darkest of times and most unlikely of circumstances, the Lord has come! And our still burning hearts can receive the King. A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices. Advent.

This last year, especially the last few months, especially the last week has magnified all the hurt, the divisiveness, and the distrust our country has. Protests, accusations, op eds, social media posts are all being hurled as weapons across the divide. My heart is heavy and hurting.

Because we are no longer seen as different, we are no longer counter culture, we are no longer a refuge for the hurting and marginalized. As a whole we are known more for our stance on political issues than we are known for the gospel of Grace. And what these last few elections have shown me is that, as a collective whole, we have failed those we are called to serve. This is not a criticism, and we will always falter and be imperfect, this is a call to action. We have to step up and be grace, be hope, be truth to a culture that right now, doesn’t respect or want us much. Will there always be resistance to a counter cultural movement? Of course, even Jesus faced much resistance. But we can look to His life for guidance that is still very much relevant.

Instead of drawing uncrossable lines in the sand, Jesus welcomed all people to Him.

Instead of throwing harsh insults at those whose views were different, He sat down and ate with them.

Instead of giving empty advice to the poor and hurting, He walked alongside them, giving radically of Himself and His time.

Instead of yelling inflammatory political stances to the crowds, He preached the GOSPEL, offering deep hope to a very troubled people.

Instead of settling for a life of comfort and ease, He lived a selfless life, giving literally all He had in the most genuine love.

Instead of creating policies to bring reform, He changed hearts to bring reform.

Instead of relying on a political party to bring happiness and peace, He was the peacemaker and rested on unchanging Joy.

Instead of living out the gospel inside the church, He lived out the gospel every minute of every day.

Jesus was the ultimate radical revolutionary, so counter cultural to the legalism and hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Jesus didn’t just talk about grace, He brought redemption and restoration to the most forgotten and hurting people. Jesus didn’t talk at sinners, He forgave them. Jesus didn’t argue over political policies, He fulfilled the ultimate Law.

Please hear my call in this: we are absolutely called to take a stand for what is biblically right. We are absolutely called to speak truth. But, we are also called to walk out our faith, live daily in His redemption and grace, and love our neighbors deeply and genuinely. We are called to be like Jesus, who lived His life fulfilling the law while serving the hurting, the forgotten, and the lonely. He preached the Law AND radical forgiveness and grace.

Let’s be known for something different. Let’s be a beacon shining through the harsh divide. Let’s be a refuge, opening our arms to all who need His comfort. Let’s be Jesus to our world.