Upon the road of Hope Part 2

I must also take care not to judge or condemn myself for my mistakes. Because the road then ends before a wall of self-accusation and despair. “I can't forgive myself for that which I have done. My life has become meaningless.” What self-condemnation is behind such words! Paul says: “Don't judge yourself.” For me that means “don't condemn yourself”. We are on the narrow path, preparing for the Lord, imperfect yet still loved. Be merciful to yourself, as God was and is and will be.

Because at the end we will not remain unjudged. But, also not without mercy. God will judge you, when He comes. He knows you better than you know yourself. Everyone who is of God will receive His praise. Our hope is this: God comes to us as a Judge, but with the face of His Son. When God comes, then with the face of Christ: Upon Him we wait, upon Him we hope now during the Advent. We try, with our songs and prayers, by listening and being silent, to experience a part of His coming, to lead us on our path. The four Advent Sundays show us, which Judge we know and may expect: “Behold, your King comes to you, Righteous and a Redeemer”. He wants what is best for you. Stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption draws nigh.” An encouraging sentence. We may, upon our narrow path, walk upright towards God. We don't say “You must!” The Judge gives us courage and freedom. “Prepare the way of the Lord, behold, the Lord comes in all His Might!” Where Jesus comes, the world changes. Paths open which were invisible to us. This means: Whomever can transform the world, can also transform our faulty, inactivity into righteousness and peace. How often have I tried to teach this to the children in my class.

Looking back at our lives, in retrospect, we are able to see how often God has led us and pointed us in the right direction. We should be grateful for every moment with every person who accompanied us on our path. We are able to bear it when we stumble, doubt or fail. We know that Jesus is our merciful Judge. We look forward with hope, able to follow the path God has led us on. We can be lights, because our Light is coming. We sing Light-songs with the children: Carry in the world only one Light; Thick, red candles; God's Word is as a Light in the darkness; In Advent a Light is awaited... The children sing these songs with joy. They especially enjoy singing this Gospel song : verse 1: This Little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine. Let ist be, gonna let ist shine. Verse 2: Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine... Verse 3: All in my heart, I'm gonna let it shine....

I wish you a blessed, peaceful Advent time!

Gundi Hornbruch