“The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when the city shall be built for the Lord.”  Jeremiah 31:38

“And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God … And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘See, the home of God is among mortals.’”  Revelation 21:2-3

Thy Kingdom come!  I admit that I have recited this petition, not thinking about what I was saying, thus not really praying for God’s kingdom to come, to be here, now.  Today I am thinking … and praying “Thy kingdom come.”

What is God’s kingdom come?  When the trumpets sound, waking nations underground?  Or now – among mortals?  Among those “blessed” with wealth and power?  Among those born with light skin and straight eyes? 

Advent readings have been about change – the hungry made full, the rich turned away; weapons turned into gardening tools; lions resting with lambs.  At first, I felt sad that we humans have fallen so woefully short of such images.  Then we heard “a little child shall lead them” and “the home of God is among mortals.”  The first Advent candle is hope, the second – peace.  The third – joy.  

The word was made flesh and dwelt among us … full of grace and truth.  Thy kingdom come!  We are living God’s kingdom when we live with God’s purpose to raise up the poor, to not fear but befriend, to live in harmony with one another.

Emmanuel, “God with us”, Your coming has blessed us with hope for peace, and joy.  Help us live as citizens of your kingdom, befriending those who feel they have no friends, seeking goodness for those feeling nothing good, turning aside fear and mistrust to live peacefully alongside those who know no peace.  Thy kingdom come!  Amen

Verla Olson

 

 

 

 

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