Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer seems particularly apt this time of year--Advent

 Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer seems particularly apt this time of year--Advent.  It can be a lens through which we can reflect on Elvis Costello’s “Waiting for the End of the World."  :-)

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.”

The prayer’s call for serenity echoes our hope that God will not abandon us. When the unthinkable happens—be it the destruction of Jerusalem or some more contemporary catastrophe—we face realities beyond our control. Accepting these things does not have to be merely resignation; it’s a profound trust in God’s redemptive work, even amid chaos.

Elvis Costello’s song captures the unease of waiting and uncertainty. The characters grapple with fear and the absurdity of the unknown. Serenity feels elusive when foundations are shaken. Yet, Advent reminds us that we can find peace even in turmoil by trusting in God’s presence.

Courage: Taking Responsibility

Niebuhr’s prayer asks for courage—the courage to act where we can. We must acknowledge our capacity for both good and evil. As Pascal noted, those who “act the angel” might “act the beast.” Courage means owning our flaws and choosing ethical responsibility.

Costello’s song has a sense of paralysis—waiting for catastrophe without knowing how to act. The song reminds us that courage requires not just resolve but clarity. We must discern where and how to intervene in a world that often feels like it’s spiraling toward crisis.

Wisdom: Living in the Now

Finally, the prayer seeks wisdom to know what we can and cannot change. Advent calls us to live in the presence of the Messiah, to “live God’s future today.” This isn’t about predicting or controlling the end but about embodying the kingdom's values here and now.

Costello’s song portrays waiting as futile, a lack of wisdom that leaves humanity adrift. In contrast, Advent reframes waiting as active and purposeful—rooted in hope, ethical living, and trust in God’s ultimate victory of mercy and truth.

Navigating Between Fear and Faith

When the unthinkable happens—whether in history, in our communities, or in our personal lives—the Serenity Prayer, Costello’s song, and the season of Advent together offer guidance:

• Serenity invites us to accept what we cannot control, trusting God’s ongoing work.

• Courage calls us to take responsibility and resist despair and inaction.

• Wisdom helps us discern our role, living faithfully here and now.

As we await Christ’s coming, we are reminded that even when the end of the world seems near, we must seek God’s will and live faithfully. We navigate the space between fear and faith by embracing serenity, courage, and wisdom.

Comments

Christopher Creech said…
Elvis Costello and Dave Mattews...I'm starting to see a pattern....Is REM next? "🎶It's the end of the World as we know it♬
December 5, 2024 at 2:12 PM
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