Fortunately we had a lot of opportunities to laugh along the way. Have you tried the Palm Beach Pokey? “You put the Gore votes in. You put the Bush votes out. You put the Gore votes in. And you do another count. You do the Palm Beach Pokey and you turn the count around. That's what it's all about!” Maybe you’ve seen the newest book in the famous series, “Voting for Dummies: A Reference for Florida Voters.” One article is titled, “Hole Punching Techniques made Simple.” Finally there is the new Democratic Party official seal featuring a picture of a crying baby.

When I stop laughing, I worry. What about our future? The stock market is plunging. Sales of big-ticket items have slowed to a trickle. If someone doesn’t eventually concede defeat what will happen next? Will the victor have any mandate to govern with? Will the controversy and court cases tear at the fabric of our democratic way of life? Could the Bush vs. Gore conflict become more than rhetoric and briefs?

Well, I’ve watched and read enough political advice. For me, it’s time seek guidance from God!

Many years ago, Jerusalem was overrun and in ruins. Her people were taken captive and hauled off to Babylon. All seemed lost, yet In the midst of their misery, the prophet Isaiah made a bold promise: “But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3)

Do not be afraid… is reassurance that God is in the midst of us. I have called you by name… is the promise that God knows our predicament. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown… is the comfort of knowing you will be safe. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior… is a statement of faith. God is firmly in control and still loves you and me.

What have I learned from all of this?

1. In the end, either Bush or Gore will concede and the victor though humbled and slightly weakened will still be President of the United States. There will be no terrorism, guerrilla warfare or tanks in the street. There are few places in the world offering this promise.

2. We will learn from our mistakes. For the next few years: how we vote and how our votes are counted will be studied, argued, changed and hopefully improved. 

3. We belong to something bigger than any political candidate or party. As Americans we put our faith in democracy and the law. As followers of God we know Who is always in charge. 

The prophet Isaiah also promised: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders.” (Isaiah 9:6) In a few short weeks, we will celebrate the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promise: Christmas. As years pass, there will be other presidents, more critical issues to argue over and yes, even a few new political crises. But just as fall surely moves toward winter there will always be the promise of Christmas offering a gentle reminder… “For I am the Lord, your God… your savior.”