I want to give three examples to start the beginning of this weeks sermon. Picture a mirror maze. Typically within a mirror maze, there are different types of mirrors. These mirrors are designed to change your shape as you look at them. It shows a different version of you, and you can pick which mirror you can stand in front of. There is an ability to choose our own perception that is contrary to how we actually look.
Now think about what influences us as a generation. Some of the things that influence our entire generation have been the advent of things like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and all the subsequent kinds of electronics that allow us to connect online. We can talk about things that are important to us online and find people that are very similar in thinking to us, and in doing so, self reenforce what we are thinking.
Now think about on a deeper level the people in control that use these means of self think. Specifically with stock traders, there are groups of people that when they write ads or reviews of things on the internet, they are actually writing it to make that purchase or sell that stock, as they have an interest in what you should be doing, and in doing so, are trying to manipulate you.
Now why do I give you these three examples? I think it is an interesting thing to look at how we all seek to know the truth about who we are and what this world is, and how we live and walk in it. You see, many of us make our way around in life finding ourselves in this artificial mirror house that makes us look one way. We gravitate towards the ones we like, skinny or tall, and want to find something that reaffirms what we like. Others of us as we look for things that are right and true engage in finding it through TV news or other media outlets, like on Facebook or Twitter. We try to find truth in other peoples likeness and similarities so that we ourselves reinforce truth in the echo chamber of what we think is right.
All of us find ourselves being manipulated by a world that is seeking something from us. It is not just a free way to connect. In this technological age, we are the product. In this world where we are confused by our own desires and vices, and actively being manipulated, how do we walk and find what is true, good, and right?
When we come to the 25th Psalm, those who are humbled will learn the truth of how to live and walk in this world. When we read this Psalm, we learn how to be in this world. We also learn how to speak out in a world that seems to manipulate us.
Now is the time where we take 4 weeks to reflect and have moments to think about this message. Facebook or carnival mirrors will not show you the truth. We live in a world where people want to manipulate us, but in this world, there is a place where we know God’s goodness, graciousness, and truth. It is in the Christ, the Son of God, and His sacrifice, that we find meaning in how to live and serve. The love and truth that comes from Christ is a reflection of how we should live. People of God, look to the Christ child as we reflect on what it means for us to let Him in the world this season of Advent, and look not to the world for truth, but to the one who was sent to bring truth with new life.
Amen
