Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The fourth candle stands for IMPEACHMENT.
Well, maybe not on every Advent wreath in this country. But at least half. On the other half the fourth candle still stands for PEACE.
World peace would be nice, but this year we’d settle for peace in our country. It could break out anywhere—even in Martinsburg.
This Tuesday evening past, the Eve of Impeachment, I stood with a gaggle of citizens on the four corners of King and Queen streets in Martinsburg. We stood under the glow of Christmas lights woven around lamp posts.
Any other year such a gaggle of bundled, gloved, and shivering souls would be singing “Joy to the World.” Not this year. We had not come out to sing carols.
The night was cold. The wind bitter. Our mission formidable. And yet there was good cheer. Alone, we might despair. Together, we could believe.
Even when a counter group sprang at us flaunting an American flag in our faces, we didn’t flinch, fight, or fuss. We stood our ground. They eventually stopped prancing and stood their ground.
We were standing for one thing that night. They were standing for something else. Still, they were standing with us, shivering in the same cold wind. For they too love this embattled country.
Love is affection. But it’s more than that. It’s also warm regard for the other, even when we don’t like them. You don’t have to be pure of heart to love. And therein lies hope for our country.
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Light the candles of HOPE, FAITH, JOY, and PEACE. For Christmas is nigh. Love is abornin’. The curse shall be lifted. Blessings shall flow. Wonders shall never cease.
Keep fighting the good fight, Randy. I hope love wins the day, everyday!
Sorry I can’t agree if you think the impeachment and the way the inquiry was conducted is good for our country. Not much love was shown and there is doubt it will even go to the Senate. Peace!
Well done, Randy. This is supposed to be a nation of laws, not of men. (The thought of the current President astride a horse, riding to the rescue of the United States, was always risible.) The two phrases I never want to hear from evangelical Christians again are “values voters” and “character counts.” All along, it appears 80% of them were animated by pure spite.
You (and Nancy Pelosi) are right not to reciprocate that spite. It’s not easy to have a hate-filled face screaming at you and not respond in kind. But it’s much more satisfying not to sink to that level. You didn’t win anyone over, but you kept your own dignity intact, and that’s even better.
Even though it seems impossible, we need to start meeting once again as Americans and neighbors first and then as members of whatever party we belong to. George Washington, in his farewell address to the nation, warned a young nation to avoid the perils of what he labeled as “factions”. Today, we call it “partisan”.
When in doubt, return to the Founders. With impeachment, we’re hearing a lot from them again.