By Shannon McAdam, Council of Twelve Apostles

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

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

Isaiah tells us a child will be born who will be named “Emmanuel” and that the imperial powers of the day will be overturned. I think of Jesus speaking against the imperial powers of the day and advocating for taking care of the most vulnerable. This call was not a new one; it was rooted in the Biblical prophets like Isaiah of whom Jesus had heard his whole life. Today, there are many forces in our world who would seek to divide and separate us, to keep us fearful of one another and fearful of the least of God’s children.

How can we resist these imperial powers of our day? All that I’ve outlined above are actions that can resist the forces that seek to divide us against each other: responding to the climate emergency, advocating for gun control, caring for one another and our planet, truly listening to young people by allowing them to lead, learning to be hospitable to all—all of these things contribute to the overthrow of imperial powers in our world. But I will admit all of those seem like really big projects, and while our church provides many ways to approach this work in community, what can an individual do to make a difference? The most accessible thing we can do as followers of Jesus to work against the imperial powers that we face today is to look our neighbours in the eye and talk to strangers.

In a world where imperial powers and oppressive systems try to keep us closed off and fearful of other people, we can stand against those powers by opening up and connecting with others. We can put our Enduring Principle Worth of All Persons into action through small acts of resistance. When we smile at strangers on the street, we are demonstrating that we see the worth in them. When we strike up a friendly conversation with someone in line at the store, we affirm that we trust our fellow human beings and want the best for them.

For me, it doesn’t come naturally to do this, but I have adopted connecting with strangers as a spiritual practice. And as with anything we practice, I’ve found it has become easier over time to make these connections. Of course it is often a little bit awkward, but I find the awkwardness is worthwhile when I receive a smile or friendly words in return. How can we lift the voices of those most vulnerable?

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.