Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Queries:

How are repair and hope connected?

Where are people finding hope amid destruction?

Where have I or others lost hope, if that’s the case?

How do I notice hope in Jesus’s words and actions?

In what ways is Jesus a model of reparative love?

Johan Maurer is a dual member of Camas Friends Church and Moscow Friends Meeting in Russia. He is a retired Quaker denominational administrator, including seven years as administrator of Right Sharing of World Resources. He and Judy are recorded ministers in Sierra-Cascades Yearly Meeting of Friends. Johan posts essays weekly at blog.canyoubelieve.me.

Queries:

In what ways am I in need of repair?

When have I felt deeply known and deeply loved?

Do I believe I am “reverently and wonderfully made”? Why or why not?

Where do I need to be intentional about growing my knowledge of others?

Queries:

Where is the loving work of repair most needed right now?

How do we navigate what feels beyond repair?

How do the Quaker testimonies–simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship–intersect with the work of repair?

Where are we stuck and what will help us move forward?

Listen to our Christmas Eve morning Candlelight Service, in which Matt guides us through the Christmas story with song, scripture, and some thoughts on darkness and light.