Sermon: “Crossing the River”

Scriptures: Matthew 3:1-12; Romans 15:4-13

In this week’s advent focus on “peace”, our Gospel lesson focuses on the prophet John baptizing in the river Jordan, re-enacting the crossing of the Israelites into the “promised land”. It’s a powerful image of being called back to our spiritual roots as we engage in a renewal or re-direction in our journey homeward toward a God of infinite love — and therefore a perfect image for us to embrace during this time of advent waiting. What about our lives needs renewing or redirecting? How is God calling us to live lives of internal peace and to work for peace among those with whom we differ — both theologically and politically?