2012 - Advent Reflection 3: Christ Our Hope

A reading from Isaiah 9:5-6

For a child is born to us, a son is given us, upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David's throne and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forevermore.

In the wake of the tragedy in Connecticut, we remember with a new urgency our need for hope. Darkness is everywhere. We read of the senseless killings, the brokenness and pain, the heartbreak and grief. And with the psalmist we cry, "Why, Lord, do you stand at a distance and pay no heed to these troubled times?" (Psalm 10:1)

Advent reminds us, we have hope. The baby in the barn who brought the angels to song; the carpenter who brought rulers to their knees; the man on the cross who brought redemption to the world--his light does shine. Through the principal, school psychologist, and teachers who lost their lives to save the children; through the person who turned on the office intercom to signal trouble, allowing many classrooms to safely lock down; through the countless others who rushed to the scene to offer help, support, and care.

Jesus Christ is with us, and "upon his shoulder dominion rests." To this hope we cling during these troubled times. Our story will not end in darkness, so with the psalmist we can say, "Yes, Lord, you do observe this misery and sorrow; you take the matter in hand...The Lord is King forever." (Psalm 10:14,16)

Submitted by Ann Primus Berends