Soon we will be reading the story of Christmas found in the Gospel of Luke. One point made in Scripture is “peace on earth and goodwill to all men”. In prophecy Jesus is referred to as the “Prince of Peace”. Peace is a big part of what Advent is all about. The popular Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” makes mention of a peaceful city in blissful slumber awaiting the birth of the Messiah. It was anything but peaceful. Romans wanted taxes while the Zealots wanted the Romans out of the region. Peace would be defined by those who were able to conquer the other. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, especially the week prior to his crucifixion, civil unrest dominated the air. Almost everyone knew what would bring about the greatest peace for them and they were willing to kill for it. All in the name of God judgment was meted out.
Today there is great confusion as to the function of the church. Christians are often not quite sure what it is and what it is supposed to do. As far as the New Testament is concerned, a church is a worshipping community. Put in other words, the church is a fellowship of believers, those like them, meeting with Jesus and recognizing his presence in their midst. We do everything to improve our personal relationship with Jesus Christ but what about with others? Are we like those in the video or those who wanted to crucify Jesus by assessing others in the name of God? Are we as the body of Christ reaching out to a community, a friend, co-worker, family member, or even an enemy to bring the message of peace?
In the church stress and tension can undermine the way of peace. Shouldn’t peace be one of the words to describe those who constitute the body of Christ? The world we live in today is far from peaceful. Choices are before us on our journey in life. We may find temporary means in which to discover peace but find the feeling is only temporary. During this advent season ask yourself: What can you do to promote peace? Wherever you go, invite people to worship with you. Connecting your actions with following Jesus may stir curiosity in people who want what you have. Your con¬gregation will find ways to manifest for the community the real hope of Christmas that through Christ, people will find peace and hope. If we make Christ the focus of our lives we have the opportunity to experience an inner peace. In doing so the message we carry to others is influenced by the one in who our hope is placed. To find peace, people need to feel heard and to know they are not alone in their suffering. Combine the conversation with God’s grace, maybe sharing Scripture. Let the hope and peace of Christ assure you that no matter the situation, peace can prevail. (Rethink Church Resources) I leave you with this prayer:
The Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
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