As children, we repeated the chorus, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” If only that were true! Words are powerful. Some of our deepest wounds are inflicted by words. But words can also heal us and give us strength. The Revelation of John is the last word of God to us. It tells us how God responds to a lost world. We learn about the power of God’s Word to overcome all that would supplant God’s rule and reign. We learn about the triumph of the one who is True and Faithful by the Word of his mouth. Like John, the church is called to bear witness to the Word of God that brings healing and life to all who will receive it. We are called to be a sign of hope to the hopeless, a word of warning to the wayward, as we shine like stars in a crooked and depraved world. Amen. Come Lord Jesus!