“Thus says the Lord: “Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed.”
-Isaiah 56:1
11th Day of Advent
December 8, 2021
This Must Be Heaven
Advent Season brings such exhilaration to my spirit – the enactment of God coming to the ghetto bringing Heaven to earth.
Heaven. I’ve spent more than a few hours contemplating Heaven. Who will I see; assuming I’ll be admitted? How inclusive am I really? In my heart of hearts, do I believe everyone will make the cut?
I came across an excerpt of a short story by Brian McLaren, “New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey” where two friends die and pass through the doorway of death. One sees brightness and goodness. People are humble and interested in others. Friend #1 experiences a place of true freedom, trust, and intimacy.
Friend #2 had lived a life cramped in hatred and fear, guilt and greed; steeped in lust and selfishness. The light that was beautiful, warm, and inviting to friend #1 seemed blinding and horrible to friend #2. Maybe there is one door, one place, this Heaven/Hell and it is Heaven to those of us who learned in this life what this life was intended to teach.
Prayer
Time is filled with swift transition so come King Jesus. Hold us with your unchanging hand. Walk with us that none should be lost. We want to see Heaven here on earth and even more clearly when we reach the other shore. Amen
Brother Carlos Botts
United Voices Choir
Mighty Men of Metropolitan
Advent 2021
Join us in a time of reflection, expectation, and contemplation during the season of Advent 2021.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you to hear the words of those reflecting, anticipating, and contemplating with you in community as we thank God for what God has done, notice what God is actively doing and anticipate what God will do next.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.