From Generation to Generation...There's room for every story.

On the first Sunday of Advent, we begin with Matthew’s genealogy. In that long list of names, we remember the trauma and triumph of those who came before; each name holds a story and their story gives way to Christ’s story. The Isaiah passage illustrates

a convergence of opposing groups and identities coming together. Instead of the

way of the past—of war—they learn a new way by transforming their weapons into

gardening tools. What are the old paths that we’ve followed, and where must we

diverge into a new way?