Spirituality: “Advent Credo” by: Daniel Berrigan, S.J.

It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss. This is true: For God so loved the world that He sent his only-begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction. This is true: I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.

It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word and that war and destruction rule forever. This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of Peace.

It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world. This is true: To me is given all authority in heaven and on earth and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the world.

It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church, before we can be peacemakers. This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy; your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams.

It is not true that our hopes for the liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity, of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history. This is true: The hour comes – and it is now – that the true worshippers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.

So let us enter Advent with hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ is the Life of the World.

Source: Testimony: The Word Made Flesh.