Sermon - John 1:6-8

<p>Walter Brueggemann, one of my favorite theologians, when reflecting on this time in the church year, writes the following, “Advent does not begin in buoyancy or celebration or in a shopping spree.  The natural habitat of Advent is a community of hurt.  It is the voice of those who know profound grief, who articulate it and do not cover it over.”</p> <p>Yes, that is our habitat as we experience Advent, especially this year, and I have been deeply feeling the hurt, the pain, and the grief.  Ours are voices of those who know profound grief.  We are in a very dark place at the present time and it is imperative that we articulate the pain and grief and not cover it over.  It is also imperative that we listen to those who speak <strong>truth</strong> as we experience this grief.  We are living in a culture in which “truth decay” (a term recently coined by President Obama) seems to permeate every facet of our life, and it is critical in this dark time that we listen to those who witness to the <strong>truth</strong>, <strong>not</strong> those who spew forth toxic conspiracy theories, lies and misinformation.  Right now, in the depth of our pain, it is vital that we listen to the scientists and medical professionals because <strong>they</strong> are the ones who point to the truth and point us to what we need to do to eventually reach the light at the end of this very dark tunnel.  <strong>They</strong> are the ones who testify to the truth, a truth to which we must listen because that truth to which <strong>they</strong> testify is ultimately life-giving during this dark time.</p> <p>I say this because, when looking at today’s gospel reading, at the time when John appeared on the scene, the people were hurting and facing much suffering.  And, this character, John, enters the scene as one who comes bearing <strong>witness</strong> to the <strong>truth</strong>.  In today’s reading, we meet John, the first human mentioned in the Gospel of John.  This lone character, John, is the star of today’s show and he is a man <s