Advent Day #7 – “Alert”
In Roman London, four “curfew churches” tolled bells to call citizens home and close the gates of the London Wall. Specific messages were sent based on the bell type or striking sound. Holidays, meals, or funerals all had different sounds alerting the community about news. Social media networks may be new but the concept is as old as living in community.
During Advent, we signal to each other our anticipation of God being born human. I’ve never known a war on Christmas because my friends of all or no faiths have always wished me a happy holiday, as have the merchants and organizations I associate with. I couldn’t ask for more living in a secular country with religious freedom at the very heart of its constitution.
O Lord, teach us to rely on your strength and accept responsibility for our fellow citizens, that we may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. Amen.