1 John 4:9
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent God’s only Son into the world so that we might live through him.
Much has been written about what has been revealed in this pandemic year. We’ve discovered what (and who) we consider essential; we’ve seen, with terrible clarity, our unwillingness to put aside partisanship for the sake of the common good; we’ve realized how the spread of disinformation has led to a loss of trust in science at a time when we need to heed the voices of scientists the most.
The devastating inequalities in our nation have been revealed. Research increasingly shows that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in the United States (Coronavirus infection by race: What’s behind the health disparities?). And in the face of this pandemic, with disruptions to daycare centers, schools, and after school programs…working mothers have taken on more of the resulting childcare responsibilities, and are more frequently reducing their hours or leaving their jobs entirely in response (Why has COVID-19 been especially harmful for working women?).
We can’t unsee what we’ve seen during this time. So, how will we move forward? Will we be content to pull the rug back over all these unsightly things when this is all done? Will we gladly pretend everything is fine even though we know differently?
Or will we listen to those who did not need a pandemic to reveal to them that all is not well, because they’ve borne the brunt of injustice their entire lives?
There’s another revealing that I pray will illumine our path forward: God’s love has been revealed. The Son was given so that we might live. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:17).
How will we respond to this revealing? Will God’s love—revealed so clearly—ignite and illumine our own love? Inspire us to listen? Empower us to act? Let it be so, God. Let us live.
Come, Jesus, come. Reveal God’s life-giving love for this death-dealing world. Save us. Reveal us to be your people—equipped to love wholeheartedly and filled with desire for your justice to reign. Amen.
Today’s accompanying song is Advent Hymn by Christy Nockels.