Toward a December to Remember
December 7, 2008
I was driving the other day and noticed familiar decorations and lights. I heard holiday songs on the radio and saw seasonal shows and commercials on television. Then I thought, in the words of the old song, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. . .” This is truly a wonderful time of year as people contemplate “peace on earth and goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). Of course, such peace and goodwill often seem very distant. Recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India have left over 200 people dead. Wars currently rage in Iraq and Afghanistan. Violence and crime ravage our towns and cities. And people continue to hate each other simply because of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. These are global challenges; as December begins, what can a small congregation in downtown Richmond do to confront them? God gives the answer. In his gospel, Luke records that Christ is “a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles . . .” (Luke 2:32). Christ’s work is our work (John 14:12), so we must be about the business of bringing that same revelation to folks in our urban environment. We bring that revelation by loving people; by teaching them, serving them, and endeavoring to connect with them. As Christ grows in their lives, evil and iniquity will diminish. Peace and goodwill will increase, and enmity and malevolence will decrease. Wouldn’t it be great if Richmond looked like Christmas all year? Let’s work to make that dream reality! —JLNJR
