The Navy Chaplin at Arlington said she was a hero. He was right, wasn’t he? Like all those military spouses from the beginning, she was a hero not only to her family, but she served her family. She also served her country. And so, generations gathered in section 55 of Arlington National Cemetery that Thursday.
Generations will gather again all around us for the celebration of Christmas. Stories will be told, memories will be made. And not just for young children. The beauty of the Christmas story (and the entire gospel) is this: it's for us, all of us, no matter our age or generation or any other dividing line we might impose.
In worship this Advent, we’ve covered generations,
and we have invited generations to tell the story. So, you too, have a chance now: tell the story like a hero, share hope and peace and joy and love. Then listen for whispers of the story told by generations both older and younger than you.
At Arlington, at the conclusion of the graveside committal, Betty Smith’s great grandson in that vast quiet space offered a blessing to John, Betty’s son. His voice, small but audible, cried out: “Good job, Pop-Pop.” And the generational cycle continues.
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