November 28, 2025, Luke 21:29-30

In today’s reading, Jesus is telling his disciples how they will know when the Kingdom of God is near by reading the signs of the times, just as the fig tree starting to bloom signals that summer is near. Jesus predicts all this will happen before his generation passes away. He concludes, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

In our own lifetimes and in our own bodies, certainly we know that our form will pass away sooner or later. Our houses, our families, our possessions – these are all impermanent. Eventually they will be dissolved and dispersed. This is what “heaven and earth will pass away” means in our own lives.

In the midst of this impermanence, we find Jesus saying, “my words will not pass away.”  The eternal spiritual truth will not pass away. God’s presence is eternal and unchanging. Underlying all our activity and thinking is this one eternal truth of God’s presence.

Now in the holiday season, we may be wrestling with our to-do lists, shopping lists, and gift lifts. We may be struggling with our daily schedule to fit it all into the allotted times. We may be stressing over money and budgets. Sometimes we try to go faster and faster to get it all done, but this too is tiring and stressful. Then we may think, “Where can I find some peace and quiet?”

Now in the northern hemisphere, winter is coming on. The earth is quiet and still. The energy draws inward, plants pull back, and animals hibernate or slow down. When life becomes too busy and stressful, the peacefulness of the still earth is there, and it only takes a moment to connect with that stillness.  Stop for a minute, breath, and focus on the cold, still earth. There, peace is at hand. 

A great gift we can give our families is to model simplicity and value peace. This is a far more valuable gift than any object and it is far more respectful of the earth.  Let us value simplicity which is also kindness and love. Amen.