Today the Middle School gathered in the gym for our first in-person Chapel in 15 weeks. Fittingly, the theme for the first week of Advent is Hope.

Have you ever got yourself into a bit of a muddle – layers of misunderstanding, hurt, awkwardness? Middle School students had some wise advice about what to do in such a situation: talking things through with the other person, telling them how you feel, talking about it with your parents or someone you trust.

Sometimes when we look at the world, we see a long history of many, many layers of hurt and misunderstanding. There are things that we can do to bring reconciliation, but the problem as a whole is just too big for us.

Today’s readings (Isaiah 9:2,6-7 and Romans 5:6-7) remind us that God saw the muddle that humanity was in. God sent his Son to be with us, not in anger or defensiveness, but in the vulnerability of a baby. Jesus showed and taught people how to live with each other; how to give and receive forgiveness. And Jesus died, still vulnerable, to bring reconciliation and peace with God.

This is the message and hope of Christmas.