After Mandela: Moving Towards Perfection with Hope
By the Rev. Elizabeth Ingram Schindler | Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (view more info here).
Shortly before I sat down to write today’s post, I heard that Nelson Mandela had died. When I saw the news, I could only sit in silence for a while, thinking and praying. I am sad that I live in a world that he is no longer in, but I’m confident that he walks with God in eternity, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant;” and I’m glad he’s not ill any longer.
Nelson Mandela taught the world a lot about patience, humility, forgiveness, non-violence, and hope. But even he was not the Messiah. He was not perfect. He could not set the world to right, not completely. He leaves a South Africa that is again in turmoil, whose future is uncertain.
This resonates, to me, with the “already and not yet” of Advent, as we wait for Christmas, knowing that Christ has already come to begin ushering in the kingdom, but that that kingdom is not yet fully realized. It means we have the opportunity to work with God in transforming the world, but that it won’t be perfect until Christ comes again. It’s that kingdom, that perfection, that ultimate peace for which my heart waits and longs at this time of year – I’m not waiting and longing for the presents under the tree, the family gatherings, the special music or the holiday meals. I’m longing and waiting for Jesus to come, and I believe with all my heart that he will.
It’s this belief that gives me hope, that people like Mandela will continue to rise to leadership in the world, that we will make lots of mistakes as humanity but we will also take some giant leaps forward toward justice and peace, toward everyone having enough of what they need, toward loving each other the way God loves all of us. It’s hope that sustains me even through the darkest days.
In our world, often the greatest harbingers of hope are the children. Mandela said in 1997, “It always gives me great pleasure to be surrounded by the beautiful children of our land. Whenever I am with the energetic young people … I feel like a recharged battery, confident that our country can look forward to great things.” I pray this will be the case on Sunday at Browns Point, when we will hear the Christmas story from our church’s young people. They will lead the liturgy, sing for and with the congregation, and star in a video in which they will remind all of us what we’re waiting for this Advent.
I pray it will be a day that will remind you of all that is hopeful in our world. All are welcome.
With you on the journey,
Pastor Elizabeth
