Being Silenced, by Julio

December 30, 2025

The First Sunday of Advent

Christ of Maryknoll by Robert Lentz. Icon of Jesus behind barbed wire against golden background. Sometimes called "Jesus the Refugee"
“Christ of Maryknoll” by Robert Lentz

Julio, Executive Director of the Congregation Action Network (CAN), brought the Word. The work that CAN does is rooted in faith and the power of community. Guided by varied spiritual traditions, CAN brings congregations together across lines of difference to build solidarity, cultivate hope, and take collective action. As a Baptist minister and the son of Salvadoran immigrants, Julio sees his work as not only vital for himself, but personal. He says, “My faith informs my work. I see that newcomers to this country deserve to be treated with respect and compassion.”…

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2025 Advent Liturgy: People Get Ready

Image of Jesus behind barbed wire against golden background
“Christ of Maryknoll” by Robert Lentz

GATHERING

REFLECTION

The reality of Advent isn’t that we are waiting for the birth of the Christ Child. The Christ Child is here and is waiting for us to come. He is crying out to us from the border. He is calling to us from the voices of the poor. He is shouting to us from prison. He is waiting for us to live out our faith. He is waiting for us to seek justice. He is waiting for us to pursue peace. Let us go, for He is waiting.

– The Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe,
General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) for the United Methodist Church,
 https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/christ-is-waiting-for-us-796

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