Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.
God of mercy. God of justice. God of many names, we give You thanks during this Advent season for Your grace and Your Spirit that strengthen us to do Your will. We ask in Your holy name to give our nation the political will—the courage—to serve with compassion for the least of these among all people. Make their hearts terrible to eradicate policies that hurt the lives of those who are impoverished. Cause Your people to reflect on Your love that they may see the hope we have, through Your sacrifice, to be forgiven of our sinful nature. Help us to be conscientious of those who suffer and are oppressed and share the message of peace as we prepare for Your second coming. During this season and beyond, may our service bring glory and honor to Your name. Let Your will be done in the earth as it is in heaven. Amen
Rev. Dr. Della Owens
Senior Pastor, St. James Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Wilson, NC