Advent Devotional

Written for the 509 Community, based on II John 1:4-6

In just a couple of days, I will see Redwoods for the first time. Ever since I learned about these massive trees, I’ve dreamt about standing beneath them. There is something mightily sacred about the hundreds of years represented in those ancient giants, and I just want to be a part of it.

Our culture might value innovation, but we cannot forget our roots.

I think that is what John is getting at in this passage. I read II John 1:4-6 as an urgent whisper to those who have grown cold. He wants the reader to know that this is nothing new. It’s as old as Moses- older even. It’s from The Beginning. I imagine him leaning in close to the desk, eyes flashing across as the paper (or papyrus or whatever) as he writes, “Remember.”

And what is the root of roots?
That we love one another.
Even when we don’t feel like it.
Even when it hurts.
Even when it seems there is nothing to love.
Even when they don’t love us.

Don’t forget.

John reminds us because we need to be reminded. We are so good at justifying indifference, that insect-apathy works its way into our branches.

Brothers and Sisters, let us be pruned. The roots of our faith are deep. We will regrow what we have lost.

God of Adam,
You bring all things into being and sustain them with your mighty power. We praise you for your patience with an imperfect creation and confess our need for rescue. Save us from our hardened hearts. We want to love as you love.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

-Rachel Whitehurst