Recently I saw the new movie about Mr. Rogers, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Heartwarming. Delightful. A superb feel good. These words certainly describe the film. But as I have thought about the film and more importantly Mr. Rogers, the essence of his ministry to children reflects, in my mind, the hard work of what it means to strive to be more like Jesus. Here are the words from one of Mr. Rogers’ well known songs.

It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor, Would you be mine? Could you be mine? I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you, I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you. So let’s make the most of this beautiful day, Since we’re together, we might as well say, Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor? Won’t you please, won’t you please, Please won’t you be my neighbor?

These words are not nostalgic pablum. They don’t reflect just a nice concept. They are not representative of unrealistic mush. These lyrics go to the heart of the story of the Good Samaritan and the countless stories and verses about what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

These lyrics are not to be relegated to an off-air children’s show. Rather I believe they set the standard for every single human being on the planet regardless of position, status, or power. Nor are these words intended to induce guilt or feelings of being less than, quite the opposite. They are meant to shine light on what we are to strive for, however imperfectly.

Because we are God’s beloved, God invites us to treat every single human being as just that, God’s beloved. These lyrics get at the essence of Jesus’ words that all that matters in the end is love. Not sometimes. Not on some occasions. Not with regard to only some people. Not for only certain aspects of life. But love is the whole deal.

God invites, encourages, gives us what we need as we begin the season of Advent on Sunday, to become neighbors to everyone. When we commit to following Jesus, again however imperfectly, it means neighborliness becomes our key primary priority.

While it is hard, being a neighbor to all really is quite simple and can become a unifying principle that undergirds everything. When Jesus comes again, everyone, I mean everyone will be our neighbor, like it or not. So we might as well get started. Jesus has come. Jesus will come again.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. I am so grateful that you are part of the Chapel family whether you live nearby or far away. Your engagement with us is an enormous blessing for which I give God thanks everyday. I thank each of you. Know you are loved beyond comprehension, just the way you are right now.

Love and prayers – Robert