With November’s election now behind us, we find ourselves in a strangely quiet political time. For a few short weeks before new political battles erupt, we have an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve been experiencing during the past election season, perhaps discerning a few nuggets of wisdom to help guide us in the months and years to come.

So far, however, try as I might to discover such “pearls,” I have to admit the process hadn’t yet yielded a lot. All of this amplified my excitement when I recently read an article by Amy Lakeman focusing on C. S. Lewis’ book, “The Last Battle,” and applying its' lessons to better understand the intense political fevers that have overcome our nation and state in recent years. In short, I found it to be quite insightful and articulate, providing a helpful distillation of practical wisdom liberally seasoned with Christian hope. It’s entitled: “On ‘The Last Battle’ Hope in an Age of Political Woe.” I now commend it to you as you continue your own personal process of Christian discernment, endeavoring to be faithful to your baptismal calling to love the neighbor through a responsible use of your citizenship. Read Lakeman's article! (This article was originally published in The Lutheran Witness and is reprinted here by permission of the same.)

As we approach the celebration of our Lord’s birth and focus on the peace that He alone can bring, we pray this peace might extend not just to us personally, but to our state and nation as well.

In Christ,

Rev. Fredric Hinz
Public Policy Advocate
Minnesota Districts, LCMS
fred.hinz@mnsdistrict.org
507-317-9634