The word for the last week of Advent is traditionally "love". In our world, we often misunderstand or misinterpret love
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Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
As we look around us, it is clear that we need reconciliation. 2025 has been a year where we have seen the harsh impact of social division; we’ve seen politicians pushing false agendas; truth being misrepresented in the news; algorithms that confirm our biases.
In this divided world, words, and their subsequent impact, like: empathy, dialogue, humility and difference are lacking. We live in a world of misunderstanding, rejecting, keeping our distance, and drawing lines.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul writes to the Corinthian church after they had rejected him for not fulfilling the qualities they expected of a leader - Paul was poor and humble while “super apostles” were successful and prestigious.
In this passage Paul reminds us of the newness of Christ that is at the centre of reconciliation. In a world of divisive noise that feels impossible to break through, reconciliation is the way to get through this. Together.
Christ comes proclaiming a new way - a way of forgiveness and love. A love that crosses divides, leaves judgement behind, and draws us into relationship. When his love breaks in it changes us.
Advent is the announcement that God's new way, his kingdom is breaking in, and as we receive his love, our calling is to channel this transformative love into a ministry of reconciliation; replacing the “old” ways of division and distance, misunderstanding and othering, with God's love that leads to connection and understanding, offering empathy for those who are different to us, and kindness to those we have judged.
In a world of ever-hardening lines, I believe that if Christ can cross the divide to show us Hope, Joy, Peace and Love; and Paul can reconcile with the Corinthian community; this ministry of reconciliation is possible for us today.
When love breaks in, He makes us new.
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