by Shannon McAdam, Council of Twelve Apostles

The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them.

[Adapted from “When We Gather,” Advent and Christmas 2025 Resource]

Isaiah tells us that the wolf will live with the lamb, and a child shall lead them.

Looking at the image of the wolf, lamb, and child, and in light of our church’s focus on peace, I wonder how we can love the earth and listen to the wisdom of our youngest church members. Climate activist and spiritual teacher Joanna Macy, who passed away earlier this year, talked at length about the importance of cultivating a love for our planet as a vital part of responding to the climate crisis. She asks why would we work to save something we do not love? I have responded to this call by organizing mindful river walks in my local community. I invite both friends and strangers to walk in reverence and wonder along our local river, pointing out the things that delight and fascinate us, cultivating a love for our planet and a desire to protect what we love.

Lately when I have listened to our youngest church members, I have felt incredible hope for the future. Our young people often deeply love being part of a welcoming and inclusive church. What might it look like to let these children lead us? If we take seriously the wisdom of young people when we are making our plans for the future, we will involve those whose prophetic imaginations are open to possibilities the rest of us may dismiss.

I see these young people taking on a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Recently a young adult in North America shared their frustration with older church members who seem overly focused on declining membership and participation in some places of the church. This young adult spoke about the increase in participation they’ve seen in their context, and the hope they have for the future. When we look to the young to lead us, we must think of them not as leaders of tomorrow’s church, but leaders of today.

How can we shift our thinking from those younger as leaders of tomorrow to leaders of today?

(continued in tomorrow’s Daily Bread)

Prayer Phrase

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy” (Luke 2:10).

Kindling the Light

Choose a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably. Place a candle or small light in front of you. Take a few slow breaths, letting the noise of the day settle. Light the candle. As you strike the match or switch on the light, say softly:
“I make room for joy to grow within me.
I make room for the light that connects me to others.
I make room for the Spirit of Christ.”
Pause for a few breaths, letting the glow of the light fill your awareness.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.