Advent Credo

Daniel Berrigan

Daniel Berrigan was an American Jesuit priest, anti-war activist, Christian pacifist, playwright, poet, and author. His protest against the Vietnam War led him to be arrested many times but earned him much support. Destruction of Government documents (draft papers) led to him being placed on the FBI’s most wanted list, and eventual imprisonment. A radical, his heart was absolutely centred on God combined with a deep concern for those who lived impoverished lives. He served the poor, unwanted, unloved.
This piece is a poem he wrote about Advent and the hope and truth of the Love of God given to the world in Jesus.

ADVENT CREDO
It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—
This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life;

It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.

It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—
This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councillor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.

It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.

It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers—
This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.

It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history—
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshippers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.

So let us find in  Advent,  hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice.

Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ—the life of the world.

(From Testimony: The Word Made Flesh, by Daniel Berrigan, S.J. Orbis Books, 2004)