He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2:4 NRSV
A beautiful day has dawned. The air is mostly still, the chimes almost silent. When I do hear them there is a kind of melancholy to the notes. So much changed in our world only 71 years ago; perhaps the winds of that day are the winds that still move the chimes today. What do you hear?
Peace that passes all understanding
He was 18 years old, a senior in high school. He had a car, a Model A Ford. Driving around Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, MN with some “buddies,” my father’s world changed in an instant. The United States had been attacked at Pearl Harbor. That day, December 7, 1941, and the next several days were spent with the “adults” in his life talking with him and making decisions for the country (and world) and finally, turning to him, to ask him to be brave and to stand up for those he loved and for his country. And he did. My father enlisted in the Navy and served on the aircraft carrier Lexington in the Pacific until his discharge after the war’s end in 1945. My father is part of the “Greatest Generation.” Thank you, Dad.
On this day (seared into the memory of my parents’ generation) I continue to both work and pray so that we will unlearn war and find and support new, creative, and more constructive ways to establish the Reign of God, a Reign marked by Peace (that passes all understanding) and genuine love of neighbor and God. ~dan
Links to online Advent Calendars
Each of these has a different approach. Find one that helps you “prepare the way.”
Trinity Wall Street Online Advent Calendar
Busted Halo Online Advent Calendar
We remember this day
O God of all generations, we guard in our hearts today the sacred memory of those who gave their lives on that day which will live in infamy. Bless us, O Lord, as we humble ourselves in your presence to remember the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy; Guide and direct us in all that we do so that the light and peace of your true freedom may continue to shine brightly to the glory and honor of your Holy Name, and for the welfare of all creation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by Pastor Ricky Powell and a Thanksgiving for Heroic Service in the BCP, p. 839
“Black Friday” began the “Shopping Season” and retailers are relentless in keeping us focused on buying often and buying more. “#GivingTuesday” (11/27/12) was an invitation to give and use our “buying power” in a way that benefits others for more than just a day.
I intend to keep that invitation in front of us throughout the “Shopping Season.” I believe that It is always the right time to be generous. If you haven’t participated in “#GivingTuesday” how about today? ~dan
Today’s give-a-gift-to-help-others idea:
- Wounded Warrior Project — whose purpose is “to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women; to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members.” (Wounded Warriors Project Mission Statement)
Looking for other give-a-gift-to-help-others ideas?
Go first to Charity Navigator for those ideas
and for an evaluation of how your dollars will be spent
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Hear what the Spirit is saying 