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.
