The Rev. Mike Angell is rector of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in St. Louis.
God's power does not enforce the border. God breaks through. God’s power seldom corresponds to our plans, to our carefully drawn lines. The Christmas story tells us that our God is a God of disruption, who shows up in the least likely moments, who demonstrates power in the strangest of circumstances. God's power often circumvents our human authority.
Advent is an invitation to hope. We learn quickly from Jesus that hope is not something light and fluffy. Hope takes grit. Hope means taking risks. Hope means leaning into conflict, and living with the complexity, not settling for easy answers.
I am grateful to serve in a congregation that is willing to be loud, to make a Holy Commotion, to shine a light. Love enough to cast out hate.
