Editor’s note: This Advent season, Bread Blog is running a series of devotionals written by staff, alumni, and friends of the San Francisco Theological Seminary, which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Rev. Aimee C. Moiso
The days were named
the years numbered
the rulers on their thrones
the emperor and governor
the tetrarch and priests
The Word could have come to them
that Word of God
It could have alighted on the scepter or crown
on the polished marble or rounded belly
Maybe the Word did come there first
and flitted around looking for an opening –
a hesitation
a doubting glance
a chink in the armor of power and fear
But maybe the Word found nowhere for a whisper of change
of metanoia
of peace that can’t be won by crushing someone else
Maybe that’s why the Word came to John instead
who was no one
a nobody
To tell him that hope for healing comes from turning around
turning back
turning away
from a world that wants us to believe
we are not in this together
we cannot be reconciled
some are disposable
and salvation is not for everyone
Rev. Aimee C. Moiso is a member of board of trustees at San Francisco Theological Seminary. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from the seminary in 2006.
