Inspired by Jeremiah 1:4-10   

  In the ancient text Brenda read this morning, the voice of God comes to Jeremiah. We are not given any details of how that happens, just that it does. Perhaps it was a vision like the one Moses had when he encountered the burning bush. Perhaps it was in a ghostly angelic figure. Perhaps it was in a dream. Regardless, a young Jeremiah, whose Hebrew name means “Yahweh Exalts” hears God speaking to him. 

God calls Jeremiah into prophetic ministry. “I have known you before you were in the womb. Before you came into the world, I knew you well and I had plans for you. You will be a prophet to all nations.”

“Now just a minute Yahweh” replies Jeremiah. I’m just a boy; I can’t possibly be a prophet.” Jeremiah is thinking, “you must be mistaken, you must have someone else in mind. I’m not up to that kind of a task. I don’t have any experience whatsoever. I can’t do that!”  

“Oh yes you can,” says God. Yahweh’s hand touches Jeremiah’s lips, “I have put my words in your mouth.” We have a lot of work to do. I need your help. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Now I don’t see this as a vigilante appointment. Jeremiah is being called as a change agent. If I may paraphrase, the prophet is being called to challenge authority, break down walls of tyranny and oppression, preach some sense where evil and corruption prevail. And if Jeremiah should doubt his capability, his ministry call, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” offers God. I am with you. 

Have any of you ever experienced words like that? There is before you a significant and possibly very difficult task. Perhaps it is overwhelming. You are very tempted to run away. That would be the smarter and perhaps the easier road to travel. But there is a voice that says, “Don’t be afraid. I have your back. I am with you. Regardless of what happens you are in my company; we can do this together.” 

That is a difficult path to follow, but quite often you do. 

After worship this morning, and before a delightful break with fresh coffee, tea, goodies, and great conversation, you are invited to stay behind for a few minutes to review and hopefully approve some recommendations by your ministry planning team. You might remember that a few of us started that process back in April last year. 

A ministry plan is an opportunity to review strengths, and recognize challenges, affirm the key areas of our ministry, and in what is called a “dreaming phase,” look at what we might want to “be” as a Community of Faith in the future. You will hear more about that later.

As an important first step we reviewed our Vision and Mission statements asking the important question, do they still define the ministry of Peachland United Church? Are they still relevant? 

We have suggested some very minor but important wordsmithing. With your approval these statements will become:

Our Vision: Eliminate using and substitute following.  

"We commit to a way of living using followingJesus Christ as our model."

Our Mission: Remove the word Mission and substitute “Calling” 

“Our callingis a call to inclusive, loving and compassionate discipleship. Our actions express our longing to make a difference in the world.”

Now in a lot of cases organizations, including churches, have Vision and Mission statements that sit around for years gathering dust in a binder somewhere. The planning team is hoping that is not true with us. So how are we doing?

Are we “living” Jesus Christ? Do our actions express our longing to make a difference in the world? 

We started some specific food bank outreach with “Food Bank Fridays” in December 2023. We added to that church “outreach” with a Christmas Eve donation that year. It was repeated again this last December. And in February, bridging Valentine’s Day, your board has supported a further food bank fundraiser initiative through a “Love Our Neighbour’s Campaign February 12-15. Through those days 50% of Bargain Bin sales will be donated to our local Food Bank. 

Is that following the model of Jesus? That is an absolute certainty.

In defining our strengths during the ministry planning process, the team prepared a significant list. It included connection, compassion, caring, inclusiveness, openness, emotional support, family values, great people, security and safety. The team highlighted our outreach initiatives primarily through the Bargain Bin. And they noted flexible, meaningful and contemporary worship. There was also a positive note about our sense of humour, but I’m thinking that might be a mistake. 

Do you believe those qualities of our Community of Faith are in line with our vision and mission? 

At our most recent board meeting I was asked how to begin the process of becoming an Affirming Ministry here at PUC. We will be following up on that question and reviewing the required process. 

Becoming an affirming ministry means being publicly recognized as a Community of Faith that declares its commitment to inclusion and justice for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. It is also a call to challenge bias and discrimination, working to end racism, promoting economic justice, increasing accessibility and caring for creation. Becoming affirming means working for justice and inclusion for all people.

Could there be a better way to serve and follow the compassionate presence of Jesus? Those actions express our longing to make a difference in the world and I applaud them.

I am confident at one time or another all of us have visited an induvial close to their “end times.” Many of us have been with the dying or those near death. It is a very difficult time, but also very humbling. What a gift we give to another then. The comfort we provide, the assurance we offer, the love that is felt, are immeasurable. Sometimes there is a “thanks for being here with me.” At other times you just know you have been a blessing. 

That is living out our vision and call. That is journeying with Jesus and being in the presence of the Holy.

And yet, like Jeremiah, who was, in my estimation, rather stunned that God would speak to him, we don’t recognize our gifts and potential either. Even when God touches us on the lips and says, “go and serve,” you are my people, I will be with you in what you do, I will be your guide, we seem to resist. We can be a little like young Jeremiah who said, “I’m just a boy, what can I possibly do?”

It is then that we need to remember that God’s tender fingers are pressed against our mouths and giving us words of assurance.

Yes, you can break down the walls of deceit. You can be with those in agony. You can hold in your arms the lost and the lonely. You can advocate for those without a voice. You are vessels of my love. 

Yes, we can, because we have been seen doing that critical ministry before. Let’s keep doing it. Thanks for listening this morning. Amen

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

For either a struggling church in Paul’s ministry, or most any church in our time, his words shared to the church in Corinth are so very affirming. The church needs you. The church needs you and all of your unique and special gifts. 

I know I repeat myself, but there are many hands, feet, arms, legs, voices and hearts among us that make up the “body” of this ministry. And that is not to forget or trivialize those among you who might not think you are such a big part of our church. O contraire, your smile, hugs, tender words and indeed, just your being here in person or online, is a gift. All of you are essential. All of you made up the vital ministry of Peachland United. You are the multiple “ever-ready” batteries that continue to make us tick. 

One cannot celebrate gifts enough. So please do celebrate. Let’s pause here for a minute and gaze around this sanctuary at the body of Christ that makes us who we are. In fact, if you are comfortable standing, do that and look around. These friends are the faces, hands, feet, arms, legs, hearts and voices of PUC. 

Play video “Moonshadow” by Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens wrote and first released “Moonshadow” in 1970. I am uncertain of the motivation he had to write those poignant lyrics, but in the decade previous there was considerable turmoil in the world. Perhaps he was giving testimony to the heartache in his own unique way.

The 1960’s were marked by the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam war and anti-war protests, the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Outside a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich village in 1969 after police raids, rioters took to the streets. This evet may have marked the beginning of the gay rights movement in the US.[1] And assignations filled the headlines, President Kennedy in 1964, and Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

Cat Stevens, or any other songwriter had a lot to write about. Many did. 

If I didn’t have eyes, I wouldn’t have to see tragedy. If I didn’t have ears I wouldn’t have to hear cries for help. Without legs I would be excused from running after peace and justice. Without the ability of speech, my silence would be expected. 

If I didn’t have eyes, I couldn’t see the atrocities of war in present day Ukraine and Gaza. I couldn’t really fathom walking through the rubble searching for a relative. Without ears I would be incapable of hearing the cries of hunger among the refugees. Without hands and arms, I could not reach out and hug someone, and so I could avoid my own emotional response. Without speech, I’d have no reason to feel any responsibility to raise my voice in protest to the inhumane treatment of migrants. 

Those are responses I confess I lean to at times. At times the complexity of issues facing us these days overwhelms me. The pain and suffering numb my soul. And I feel like running away and ignoring everything. You might react that way too. 

But dang it, wouldn’t you know it, that is just when Paul’s words ring out. “Ian, remember that God can’t do it without you. Remember that you are part of a whole. You are a part of a ministry which is made up of many parts. Jesus led to show us the way by example. He made the commitment to move ahead in the face of great diversity. He asked us to follow. But he never said it would be easy,” he just said, “follow me, you are needed.”

Dang it again, Paul’s right. Wishing we don’t have the means to follow, albeit understandable, is really denial. Avoidance is not much of a coping mechanism. If we truly care about this wonderful creation, and the possibility of contribution to a new kin-dom, pretending we we don’t know what is happening is dishonest and selfish.

In the early years after Jesus’ death the Christian Church was in a pretty precarious position. Paul’s message is one of assurance, reminding the people that they needed to remain united if they were to have a ministry at all. You are all part of this new beginning, he said. Christ needs all your hands, feet, eyes, and ears. And Christ needs all your loving hearts as well. 

When Cat Stevens wrote his lyrics in 1970, I believe he was reminding his listeners the same thing. Stay in the moon’s shadow and remain invisible is an option. You can pretend you don’t have the means to engage, but you fool yourself if you think that makes pain, suffering, tragedy go away. 

That is something we can honestly celebrate here in this COF. You all know that. It was affirmed when you looked around this morning at the person sitting next to you or adjacent from you and you walked up to them and said “peace be with you.” You saw disciples who, by just being here form one body of believers. 

You are caregivers who dispense hugs freely, taking in a portion of another’s sorrow. Your ears are open, you hear need, and you respond with your feet and your heart. You don’t remain silent when you know you must be heard. And you keep on loving, even in the face of unfathomable pain and suffering, regardless of the intolerance and abuse you witness, despite the anger and bitterness around you. You do that because you hear Jesus’ words, the words he spoke that day in the synagogue. 

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
 because he has anointed me
 to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
 and recovery of sight to the blind,
 to set free those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

And after hearing those words, you follow. Thank you for listening this morning. Amen

[1] The 1960s History ‑ Events, Timeline & Facts | HISTORY, accessed January 25, 2025

  Inspired by Isaiah 62:1-5

Start with the Video Clip of Scrooge and the ghost of Christmas present. 

A very reluctant Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present. For Scrooge, to set in his ways, too hardened by his mortal life experiences, he is unable to see anything positive from this encounter. All of the Christmas “stuff” is just a huge inconvenience and a monumental bother. Scrooge’s answer to the spirit’s inquiry about his visit, “I wish the pleasure had been indefinitely postponed.” It is all Humbug as is his favourite adjective. 

“Leave me alone and let me keep Christmas in my own way,” says Ebenezer. Tired, frustrated and jaded, Scrooge doesn’t get it. The conjured image before him speaks again, (Paraphrase) “Mortal we spirits don’t seek Christmas just once a year, we keep Christmas in our hearts all 365 days of the year. And it is the same for the child born in Bethlehem, men keep him in their hearts all year round.” 

As the familiar story unfolds, we all know Scrooge learns not just to appreciate Christmas well, but how important it is for kindness and generosity to take a prominent place in the world. 

What an incredible gift Scrooge received, the opportunity to see how a changed attitude might influence others. His generosity not only of money but of spirit could be inspirational around the good old town.

Dickens doesn’t mention anything about Christ, only a reference to a child born in Bethlehem. And there is no mention of God. This is not a religious story. But as I reflect on this classic, it is abundantly clear to me that when the spirt said “Come in and know me better man,” he also meant, “Come in and know God better.” 

In today’s Old Testament Text, Isaiah pleads with God to restore Jerusalem. The captives have returned to their land, but it has not been as glorious a return as was hoped. Economic hardship amidst oppression and conflicting religious practices made life difficult for the returning exiles. 

Come on in God, return us to the times you promised, pleads the prophet. Rebuild this forsaken land, take us out of our desolation. Take us out of our misery.

For the sake of the Hebrew people, Isaiah describes their relationship with God as a marriage. 

5 For as a young man marries a young woman,
 so shall your builder[a] marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
 so shall your God rejoice over you.

I imagine this to be a very hopeful, comforting message for those who had returned to Judah after a 70-year absence. A marriage bond, an intimate partnership with Yahweh. God as protector and provider. God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, promises Isaiah. Positive and comforting words in a time of great uncertainty.

Come to know God better, come to know God in a close relationship bond. For Isaiah’s audience, come to know God as benefactor, change agent, advocate. For Scrooge, come to know God as possibility, potential, optimism, hope, peace and joy. For us, come to know God in the midst of uncertainty and doubt. Come and know God through chaos. Come and know the light of God even through destruction and heartache. 

And if you doubt, come in and know that God is the thread of hope and love since time immemorial. Come and know God better.

Yes, Holy Love is always there, although all too often it is veiled and cries to be let out. 

We are on the eve of a very big day tomorrow, the inauguration of President T. There is huge apprehension for most of us here, if not for most Canadians around this event. We are fearful over what tomorrow will bring. 

A new president will be sworn in to the Whitehouse and never before has there been so much tension over what is to come. Threats of economically choking tariffs, the preposterous amalgamating Canada as the 51st state, exacerbating the threat of WW III. And Mr. T is just getting started. 

There are several people including Mr. T on my list that I pray could be visited by the three spirits in Dicken’s novel. For those that care only about their personal image and are motivated only by their ego, that might be the only possible way to bring about a modicum of change. Alas, we are fooling ourselves if we believe that is going to happen. How then might we respond? 

If we follow “God” more intimately and learn to know God better, might that help us in our present circumstances? 

Knowing God well of course is a very personal and unique journey for everyone. For some, perhaps a time of a great epiphany, when the Creator’s light shone upon you in a way you had not expected. A birth? A death? During a time of great uncertainty when the path ahead became clear and you were comforted? 

Perhaps it has been a gradual awakening to something often called spirit. You grew into a knowing of inner peace, a confidence that even in desperation there is hope. You realized that a permanent light resides within you, reminding you that you are never alone. All these blessings reside in our being when we know God well. 

But what is knowing God better?

Knowing God better is seeing God’s radiance in all things.

Shining Forth (Meister Eckhart)

In times of doubt I forget

that you are not a God

of thoughts, to be found

In concepts or theories

but are the source of 

my life and the radiance

that shines forth in all 

that is, and then I remember:

mine is the work of learning

to see You as the radiance

that shines forth in all that is, 

even in the dark. Even in me[1]

Ours is the work of learning and “leaning into possibility.” Learning to see the radiance.

Perhaps too often we see things as polar opposites; either light or dark, either right or wrong, either good or bad. And when we are on the downside, we cannot fathom a path forward. It seems impossible and we are inclined to give in and give up. It is then that we shut God out. It is then that we question God and don’t know God well. God’s radiance is obscured.

Let God’s radiance, a holy unconditional love for all, shine through you all. Understanding the power of that love, is getting to know God better.

It takes patience of course. Patience and dogged determination. Patience in knowing the Holy love that is permanent. It is also immanent. We are married to it in our faith, married to the spirit of God as Isaiah promised in his prophetic voice.

Scrooge was an unwilling participant and followed the spirit of Christmas Present reluctantly. But he did get to know him and, in the process, learned to appreciate Christmas well. At that same time, he began to know God. 

We know God well. Let us lean into learning to know God better by celebrating God’s radiance every day.

Thanks for listening this morning. Amen

[1] P. 116

Inspired by Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

A good ministry friend of mine sent me an email a few days ago as an inquiry. Her question was regarding Baptism as presented in Luke’s gospel. She wanted her reflection for today to be inclusive of all her gathered community, but she was faced with the reality that traditional references tend to surround the individual experience of “What does baptism mean for you?” Or “what is it supposed to mean to you?” 

Adding to her dilemma, there are many in her COF who have never been baptized. So, what does Luke’s message and John the Baptist’s actions mean for those folks she asked? Do they feel alienated or excluded when we speak about baptism? Is it even significant in any way? 

Baptism of course, has been a ritual in many mainline churches for centuries. Traditionally the sacrament conveys the confession of sin, rebirth, a welcoming of the holy spirit into the life of the baptized individual, a union with Christ, and a welcoming into the membership of the COF. 

In some denominations baptism is still the only path to salvation. That is precisely why I wasn’t baptised until my early 30’s. I wasn’t baptised as an infant, and I certainly wasn’t going to be baptised as an adult because of fearmongering. It made no sense to me then, and makes no sense to me now, if baptism is seen as the exclusive path to God’s shalom community. 

Today, in the UC at least, baptism equates with a welcoming into the community of believers. We walk together in a common journey to serve in Christ’s ministry. It is a recognition that we are God’s own, cherished and loved. And it is an opportunity to profess our longing to be in loving community together. 

As adults we make promises at our Baptism, indicating that we believe in a creating and recreating God working through the spirit in us. We commit to following the way of Christ and we commit to live celebrating God’s presence, live in respect of creation and commit to love and serve others. [1] 

Seven Hundred or so years prior to the penning of Luke’s gospel, in which John the Baptist baptises Jesus, the prophet Isaiah addresses a troubled Israelite audience living in exile. 

Do not fear, for I (God) have redeemed you;
 I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,
 and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
 and the flame shall not consume you.

You are mine says the divine creator, all of you. Not just selected individuals, those that have been righteous. Not only those of you who have upheld truth and justice. Not just those who have actively practiced compassion and unconditional love. Not only those who have prayed for a peaceful kin-dom. Everyone. There is no mention of baptism, but there is a similar intent. There is a recognition and welcoming for everyone into community with the divine creator.

Today that means welcoming everyone regardless of social status, ethnicity, political affiliation, religious belief, gender expression, race or culture. Isaiah’s words are inclusive, unconditional. But there is no requirement for taking any vows or making any promises. To cite a few words from one of our favourite Hymns by Daniel Charles Damon, “You are gifted, called and chosen you are mine.” You are mine, foibles and all. That’s it. Plain as day. One doesn’t have to promise anything.

In no way would I intend to diminish the value and importance of baptism. Quite the contrary. 

For an infant, it is an opportunity for the gathered community to recognize the precious gift of life. And gathered together we commit to loving that precious wee bundle of innocence and energy as if we were all his or her Godparents. As an adult, Baptism is an opportunity to publicly declare the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and express our intentions to celebrate that with others. It is a willful, serious commitment. But it doesn’t signal that we should be treated any differently than someone else. And it assuredly does not mean we have earned God’s favour over the un-baptised.

Pamela Moeller writes, “deserving isn't what matters. Joining the church isn't what matters. What we think isn't what matters. No, we are baptized because God loves us, because we are born of God, because from womb to tomb and beyond God knows us, identifies with us, claims us, loves us. Baptism tells us that. But it doesn't make it so. God makes it so.[2]

Perhaps that is the most important “take-away” for this morning. “God makes it so.” And that is what Isaiah is saying.

The Holy Breath within us all seeks to permeate our souls. It tells us we are cherished. It reminds us we live accompanied in the challenges we face. It encourages us to remember that within the all too often wretchedness of time and place, there is room for hope. That is God calling us by name. 

That same Holy Breath asks us to make a commitment. It asks, will you go out into the world and advocate for me? Will you extend the promise that I give to you – practice unconditional love for all and when you need to, forgive those who stray from my path? Baptism is when we answer those questions publicly. Answering the call, recognizing that we are one of God’s own is in the doing piece. 

I have given you a name, it is mine;

I have given you my spirit as a sign.

With the wonder in your soul, make my wounded children whole;

Go and tell my precious people they are mine.

We are really all baptized when we believe and when we serve. 

A profession of faith is profoundly spirit led, and God centered when we do ministry. When we join in a wondrous chorus or pray soulfully for the world and those we love, we enact baptismal vows. When we hold the pain of another gently and embrace the broken heart, a baptised spirit reaches out. When we want for others the gifts we possess, and endeavour to make that a reality, the selfless servant professes the life of Christ and the fellowship of God’s kin-dom.

Isaiah’s prophetic words were shared a long while before baptism as we know it today was practiced. Know you are loved says Isaiah. Baptism says likewise and adds, know you are loved and proclaim to the world that good news. Proclaim it in both word and deed.

Proclaim it in both word and deed. 

Well haven’t you all been doing that? You have all been the hands and feet of Christ and professed your faith through your love in action. That tells me that you have all been baptised whether or not through the laying on of hands by a priest or minister. You are all called and chosen. God has called you all by name and you have answered.

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen

[1] Excerpts from UC Sacraments Elders, 2020

[2] Moeller, Pamela Ann, Naming Reality: Reflections on the Waters of Baptism.” Exploring Visions Anew: Dreams and Visions, Charles Press, St. Louis, Mi, 1988, p. 27

It’s helpful for me at times to consult theological volumes and commentaries on specific biblical passages. Because there I can find some insights into a specific lectionary readings. There is always something new to learn. Every minister has a library full of such resource books.

And often I can get a jumping off point as I read something that really can get me thinking. That is great but there is something else which is also vitally important. And that is to ask the question, what do the people think? What do folks without theological training believe. How do they interpret a specific passage or story. How meaningful might it be to them?

Well, who is Dame Sheila Hancock anyway, and why should I care? (You might know of her, but I didn’t). I figured she was probably some anti-religious Christian basher with nothing better to do that attack the dwindling church and criticize those who believe in Christ. I expected to read, “there is certainly no evidence of a caring and compassionate God today,” and “if you believe in hope through a living Christ, you might want to have a brain scan.” 

As it turns out, that is not what I gleaned when I read further. 

First, for the unknowing, like me, I learned that Dame Sheila Hancock is an accomplished and very well-known actress, author and singer of 91 years. And I learned, receiving a damehood (for women) is the same for knighthood for men. And it can only be bestowed by the king. So, this is a pretty special deal. Receiving such designation does not happen often. 

So, what did Dame Hancock have to say about Jesus? Now I was pretty curious. 

Well, she believes that “Jesus Christ wouldn’t have “lasted a minute” in the 21st century, as he would have been “cancelled.” In an interview with the BBC she said, that “the life of Jesus is still very important to her. (She is a former Catholic). But she believes he would have been the victim of cancel culture on account of his honesty.” “Christ wouldn’t have lasted a minute because he said exactly what he thought, he’d have been cancelled,” she said.”

It is a super interview. As she continues to reflect, she muses, that with all her heart one has to speak to what one believes, regardless of the consequences and the risk of getting into trouble. In a humorous anecdote she comments, “easy for me to say,” because “If I say something outrageous and I’m cancelled, I’m shortly going to be cancelled by death anyway,”[2]

What an interesting perspective. Can Jesus’ words be cancelled? Is Dame Hancock correct in suggesting today Jesus wouldn’t have an audience? 

If he had an open air gathering one day down on the grass by the Cenotaph, would anyone go and listen? Perhaps, if a crowd did gather, it would be full of hecklers who would cry out, “What garbage, what nonsense, what rubbish. A new world? A new kin-dom where everyone is equal, and we can all get along? What kind of fake news is that? What did you smoke on your way down here today, Jesus?

Most of the crowd gathered would probably pick up their lawn chairs and head out after a few minutes, especially when the predictions came. “People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory.” 

Folks would run for the hills when they heard “your redemption is drawing near.” “We thought this guy would be inspirational” they would say. “In truth he’s a wingnut, a sham. What a waste of my time. He is just another fearmonger trying to draw us into some kind of cult.”

I have to agree with Dame Hancock here, those words would get Jesus’ act cancelled. However, if they did it would be because his words are misunderstood. 

For Centuries organized religion has been using the fear card to control behaviour of its congregants. And for eons it worked. People were made to fear that a lack of obedience to certain rituals or standards would cast them outside God’s embrace, and into internal damnation. As if a God who loves all her precious children, would in any way want to punish even one of us. 

Associate Professor at the Wartburg Theological Seminary Troy Troftgruben says, “much of this” (doom and gloom, and end of times thinking) “stems from hearing eschatological imagery in scripture wrongly. Its aim is not to predict the future as much as it is to offer a word of hope to encourage faithfulness in the present. Jesus does promise a day when the Son of Man will arrive, a just reckoning will happen, and the faithful will see redemption—and these words of promise will not pass away.”[3]

I see Luke’s reading for this first Sunday in Advent as both comforting and hopeful. I know we are in times of foreboding, wondering what might be the next disaster for mankind to face. But I see trees sprouting leaves as the promise that even in our winter times, when life might seem bleak, hope for new beginnings might emerge. I see the Son of Man arriving later today and tomorrow too, guiding us through our challenges saying, “don’t lose heart, don’t be afraid, I will be with you on your journey, remember that you are loved.” 

As we continue in our ministry together, I see huge obstacles and many barriers. How do we continue to share the good news in times like these? How do we continue to be faith-filled and remain positive?

My suggestion is focus on this part of Luke’s text. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Jesus’ words, as simple as they might be, are profound. His actions are more so. He speaks about loving and nurturing. He speaks about valuing relationships; He talks about turning the other cheek and resisting the pitfalls of ego. 

He reminds us not to be tempted by fame and fortune. Jesus reminds us to be faithful in service to the less privileged, the needy, the lonely and the lost. If we listen and follow there just has to be hope in what we do. That is an incredible hope we are reminded of today, Advent 1 when we think of a child’s birth that was such a gift. 

So, to end my reflection time for today, I just can’t agree with Dame Hancock. Cancel Jesus? No way, not today, not ever. That will never happen, as long as we continue to share Jesus’ words with others. 

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen

[1] Dame Sheila Hancock says Jesus Christ would have been cancelled if he were alive, accessed November 29, 2024

[2] Ibid

[3] Commentary on Luke 21:25-36 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary, accessed November 30, 2024

It’s helpful for me at times to consult theological volumes and commentaries on specific biblical passages. Because there I can find some insights into a specific lectionary readings. There is always something new to learn. Every minister has a library full of such resource books.

And often I can get a jumping off point as I read something that really can get me thinking. That is great but there is something else which is also vitally important. And that is to ask the question, what do the people think? What do folks without theological training believe. How do they interpret a specific passage or story. How meaningful might it be to them?

Well, who is Dame Sheila Hancock anyway, and why should I care? (You might know of her, but I didn’t). I figured she was probably some anti-religious Christian basher with nothing better to do that attack the dwindling church and criticize those who believe in Christ. I expected to read, “there is certainly no evidence of a caring and compassionate God today,” and “if you believe in hope through a living Christ, you might want to have a brain scan.” 

As it turns out, that is not what I gleaned when I read further. 

First, for the unknowing, like me, I learned that Dame Sheila Hancock is an accomplished and very well-known actress, author and singer of 91 years. And I learned, receiving a damehood (for women) is the same for knighthood for men. And it can only be bestowed by the king. So, this is a pretty special deal. Receiving such designation does not happen often. 

So, what did Dame Hancock have to say about Jesus? Now I was pretty curious. 

Well, she believes that “Jesus Christ wouldn’t have “lasted a minute” in the 21st century, as he would have been “cancelled.” In an interview with the BBC she said, that “the life of Jesus is still very important to her. (She is a former Catholic). But she believes he would have been the victim of cancel culture on account of his honesty.” “Christ wouldn’t have lasted a minute because he said exactly what he thought, he’d have been cancelled,” she said.”

It is a super interview. As she continues to reflect, she muses, that with all her heart one has to speak to what one believes, regardless of the consequences and the risk of getting into trouble. In a humorous anecdote she comments, “easy for me to say,” because “If I say something outrageous and I’m cancelled, I’m shortly going to be cancelled by death anyway,”[2]

What an interesting perspective. Can Jesus’ words be cancelled? Is Dame Hancock correct in suggesting today Jesus wouldn’t have an audience? 

If he had an open air gathering one day down on the grass by the Cenotaph, would anyone go and listen? Perhaps, if a crowd did gather, it would be full of hecklers who would cry out, “What garbage, what nonsense, what rubbish. A new world? A new kin-dom where everyone is equal, and we can all get along? What kind of fake news is that? What did you smoke on your way down here today, Jesus?

Most of the crowd gathered would probably pick up their lawn chairs and head out after a few minutes, especially when the predictions came. “People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory.” 

Folks would run for the hills when they heard “your redemption is drawing near.” “We thought this guy would be inspirational” they would say. “In truth he’s a wingnut, a sham. What a waste of my time. He is just another fearmonger trying to draw us into some kind of cult.”

I have to agree with Dame Hancock here, those words would get Jesus’ act cancelled. However, if they did it would be because his words are misunderstood. 

For Centuries organized religion has been using the fear card to control behaviour of its congregants. And for eons it worked. People were made to fear that a lack of obedience to certain rituals or standards would cast them outside God’s embrace, and into internal damnation. As if a God who loves all her precious children, would in any way want to punish even one of us. 

Associate Professor at the Wartburg Theological Seminary Troy Troftgruben says, “much of this” (doom and gloom, and end of times thinking) “stems from hearing eschatological imagery in scripture wrongly. Its aim is not to predict the future as much as it is to offer a word of hope to encourage faithfulness in the present. Jesus does promise a day when the Son of Man will arrive, a just reckoning will happen, and the faithful will see redemption—and these words of promise will not pass away.”[3]

I see Luke’s reading for this first Sunday in Advent as both comforting and hopeful. I know we are in times of foreboding, wondering what might be the next disaster for mankind to face. But I see trees sprouting leaves as the promise that even in our winter times, when life might seem bleak, hope for new beginnings might emerge. I see the Son of Man arriving later today and tomorrow too, guiding us through our challenges saying, “don’t lose heart, don’t be afraid, I will be with you on your journey, remember that you are loved.” 

As we continue in our ministry together, I see huge obstacles and many barriers. How do we continue to share the good news in times like these? How do we continue to be faith-filled and remain positive?

My suggestion is focus on this part of Luke’s text. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Jesus’ words, as simple as they might be, are profound. His actions are more so. He speaks about loving and nurturing. He speaks about valuing relationships; He talks about turning the other cheek and resisting the pitfalls of ego. 

He reminds us not to be tempted by fame and fortune. Jesus reminds us to be faithful in service to the less privileged, the needy, the lonely and the lost. If we listen and follow there just has to be hope in what we do. That is an incredible hope we are reminded of today, Advent 1 when we think of a child’s birth that was such a gift. 

So, to end my reflection time for today, I just can’t agree with Dame Hancock. Cancel Jesus? No way, not today, not ever. That will never happen, as long as we continue to share Jesus’ words with others. 

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen

[1] Dame Sheila Hancock says Jesus Christ would have been cancelled if he were alive, accessed November 29, 2024

[2] Ibid

[3] Commentary on Luke 21:25-36 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary, accessed November 30, 2024