December 11

I like to think of Paul’s letters as formational love letters. Letters of commitments, challenges, questions, dreams and responsibilities meant to weave together the people and places the world had tried to keep apart. I say formational love letters because each of Paul’s letters articulates ways of being in the world — practices and habits meant to ground and form a community in God’s love and orient them to what it means to be disciples of Christ.

In this letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds us how to reach towards one another through bars, offering the good news that no matter how this empire will shame and punish you/us for trying to live (y)our life, know that God has begun a good work in you. So, this love letter is for you, dear one. I thank God for you, beloved who has had to self-medicate because this country’s healthcare system would break you. God has begun a good work in you. I thank God for you, dear one who has needed a soft place to land, a moment to breathe. God has begun a good work in you. I thank God for you, cherished one who has a dream to share, you who needs a day that is different tomorrow. God has begun a good work in you.

As we prepare the way for the day that is surely coming this Advent, let us and our prayers and churches, be this love letter, this prayer, this thanksgiving, this promise, for one another. Let us be the whisper through bars, that reaches beyond shame and speaks this covenant: God has begun a good work in each of us and will continue until the day it is complete.

Prayer

We are waiting, Promised One,
for the gratitude that reaches beyond shame,
for the affirmation that extends beyond stigma,
for the recognition that stretches beyond dehumanization. 
O come, Emanuel, Love-in-skin-and-bone;
reveal the truth that your good work is being fulfilled in each and all of us.  Amen.

Freedom Song

Music: “This Little Light of Mine” traditional
Offered by: Ann Jefferson