Now and Not Yet

Double-speak? I don't think so; in fact, I think that's what Advent is supposed to be. With its darkness and light imagery, its texts of lament and promise, its hymns of hope in a minor key, Advent invites us, if we're willing, to wait in the sacred paradox of a challenging now and a liberating not yet, looking toward the hope that "does not disappoint us."

I mentioned that brief phrase from Romans 5:5 in a speech that I was honored to share with many of you at a series of retirement events this fall. The verse was cited in the context of challenges that Room for All's founding board experienced in 2005, and I'm still thinking about it. Advent feels like the right time to elaborate on the "why?" of that hope, as described in the first few verses of that chapter. Part of the passage is pretty dark, with talk of suffering and endurance and disappointment, but the culmination in verse 5 is a veritable flood of light! "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts..."

I believe it was that good news of hope - God's inclusive and redemptive love made known in Jesus Christ and poured into our hearts - that inspired Room for All's founders; it inspires RfA's staff and board today, and will continue to do so in 2020 and beyond. Our persistent mission is a vibrant gospel imperative in the midst of lamentable uncertainty and exclusion, as the full affirmation and celebration of God's LGBTQ beloved in the life and ministry of the Reformed Church in America remains an elusive, longed-for not yet.

As I prepare to close my tenure as executive director in a few weeks, I urge you, beloved friends, to press on in active hope, pouring out God's love through support, education and advocacy. Thank you for the privilege of serving with you, and thanks be to God in Christ Jesus our Lord, whose love lights our way toward the day when not yet will be now.