Just to be clear up front, this is not a Star Wars post about the empire. I'm preaching this weekend on Jesus and the empire in power when he was born. My message fits into a broader look at the Christmas story and how we have lost some of the deep meaning found in this revolutionary story. But as I've been thinking about my message this weekend, I am wondering if people understand the concept of an empire being in control. We live in a free democratic society where one simply has to wait out a leader they don't care for, because history shows that our leadership pendulum never stays with one party/viewpoint for too long. But what was it like to live in a time where you did not have a say whatsoever in who would rule over the land? What was it like to live in a time where disagreement with the King could cost you your life? And how radical is it that the Kingdom of God is good news for all people and that it will bring a peace where swords are beat into plowshares?
I find myself challenged to see this Advent season in the light of this already here but still coming Kingdom of God. I feel challenged because it seems that we have turned the Christmas story into this nice and neat little story that makes us feel good for the weeks leading up to December 25th. But the Christmas story is so much more than something that makes us feel good. It is God's pronouncement that there is another way to live in the world. This way is of peace and righteousness that bring life and light to the world. It is a call to come out of the way of the world and into the way of God. May our eyes be opened to see that the kingdoms of the world are not the Kingdom of our God and may we eagerly await the final consummation of God's Kingdom here on this earth.
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