Summary:
In this reflective sermon, Reverend Dan King explores the emotional and ethical challenges of waiting and unmet expectations during the Advent season and the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election. He acknowledges the profound disappointment and anxiety felt by his community, urging them to move beyond passive observation toward active, compassionate engagement. By emphasizing three “be-attitudes”—being perceptive, conceptive, and receptive—he calls for a commitment to social justice and solidarity with marginalized groups, such as the Standing Rock protestors and those facing religious or racial discrimination. Using the safety pin as a symbol of allyship, King challenges individuals to accept the risks of defending others’ rights rather than remaining in a state of disillusionment. Ultimately, he inspires the congregation to recognize their own collective agency, asserting that they are the very leaders and change-makers they have been waiting for.