Capital Chaos and Epiphany
Picture from NY Magazine: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/01/republicans-challenge-electoral-vote-count-live-updates.html
Happy Epiphany and what a day it has been. Please pray for our country and our country's leadership and law enforcement. I never thought I would live to see a mob storm our nation's Capital, disrupting the counting of electoral votes. I can't believe I'm seeing images of people carrying Confederate flags and shouting the name of Jesus, while our nation's leaders are huddled into corners fearing for their lives. I can't believe I'm looking at pictures of these people occupying officials' offices and sitting lounging in the Senate chamber.
Everyone regardless of their political views has a right to protest. I believe the destruction of property, violence, and looting are and have always been detrimental to whatever cause is being advocated. Much of my shock and disturbance comes from believing that our Capitol building is one of the most secure places in our country. That people would not "go there." As we closed 2020 and head into the new year, I'm reminded that these last 10 months have been a breakdown of things that I thought would never be shaken. I don't need to reiterate the effects of our loss of physical presence with family, friends, co-workers, and church. I never thought people would attend events knowing they have tested positive, refuse to wear masks, I never thought an incumbent president would challenge an election result and stoke so much anger to their base to cause what happened today in our nation's capital.
I'm reminded today on Epiphany, the day we celebrate the Magi bringing gifts to Jesus and believing their long journey in waiting for a savior has come to an end. I think about the bright star that shined amid darkness that lead the way to Jesus. Like every part of the Christmas story, every part of that light and darkness was beheld with their eyes but represented the story of humanity waiting for its Prince of Peace. I’m thinking about Jesus a bit more today, because of the stark contrast of him and the bellowing shouts of the mob carrying guns. I’m reminded my hope in humankind was never in our “progress” thus far because this year has taught me “progress” is tenuous. I’m reminded my hope in humankind is in Christ. I’m kneeling beside Christ today and imagining what the Magi saw and the hope they might have felt. Happy Epiphany, despite the terrible day it has been, I’m all the more grateful for the light of Christ in my life and how He, directly and indirectly, shines to the world.
