I had the honour of preaching my first intern sermon at Trinity Lutheran Church yesterday on Advent 1. The lectionary reading was Luke 21:25-36 — the end of the world. It’s a nice and easy introduction to preaching, right?

I shared a fragment of my own story around the End Times and a couple of ways such theology was used to create fear masquerading as love. Little did I know that there were others listening to me who had similar experiences. It was like gazing into rippling mirrors as I greeted people after the service, listening to such diverse backgrounds. Many folks had encountered painful forms of teaching that led only to fear or exclusion.

My passion continues to be to come alongside people who have encountered religious trauma or abuse, who have lost community or family, who have been segregated or excommunicated, and are still seeking…something. For all of us who are struggling with the pain of such existential loss, you are not alone. During this season of Advent, be reminded that Light comes, has come, and will always come.