Genesis 28:10-22 — “‘The Decree’ by Ann Weems”

Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.  (Genesis 28:15, NRSV)

“And in these days a decree goes out to all the world, for these are taxing times. We are all called again to go to Bethlehem, no matter the state of our health or our world. We come, obedient and faithful, for we have heard the message, we have dreamed the dream that God will come to dwell among us. We come, expectant with joy, pregnant with anticipation, for God has done great things for us. We come searching for a sign; bearing our gifts, we come. We come, called from the silent hillsides of our hearts, startled and frightened by the magnitude of light, we huddle together toward Bethlehem. We come, one by one, and yet, as one, dancing into the Promise.”

God of promises, help bring us back to you and to what you want us to be in this world. Amen.

– Pastor Nancy Tuma, First Presbyterian Church, Falls City, and First Presbyterian Church, Hiawatha, KS