December 13, 2017
It's what we all say we want. It's what we all say we need. It's our desire to see it in our families, communities, nation and world. This time of year, we declare it in the earth. Some of us would be satisfied if we could just get it in our own hearts and minds even if for only a moment. What its IT? PEACE! Peace in our western, Christian context has become completely synonymous with the absence of conflict, discord and strife. The word itself conjures images of tranquility and quietness. Literally, many see peace as a place, a destination. We will know we have reached it when we are free from worry and concern. We pray for it. We attempt to pay for it. We travel to exotic locations hoping to experience it and yet it often eludes and evades us.
During Advent, we light the candle of peace and recite Isaiah 9:6. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." In addition, other scriptures tell us to do what makes for peace; live in peace; to seek peace and pursue it and then be peacemakers. But some things are just easier said than done.
The birth of Christ reminds us that peace is so much more than the absence of chaos and conflict. Shalom in the Hebrew and Eirene in the Greek carry with them the notion of well being. Everyday there is something and even someone that comes to rob, distort and destroy our sense of well being. That's why we must know the true source of our peace. Jesus said to his disciples in John, "Peace I leave with you. My peace, not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Our sense of well being does not come from our government, our education, our social status nor our career achievements. It is not found in our reputations, our affiliations or our vocations. It is found in the one who said, in this world you WILL have trouble and suffering-I have overcome the world. I have told you these things that you may have peace IN me. You can have it, in the middle of all the chaos and discord - there is a peace that passes all human understanding. Ask for it...Believe it!
When peace like a river attends my way;
when sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is WELL with my soul!
Until next week, may these texts increase your peace: Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3-12; Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 8:23-27; Colossians 3:15.
Blessings to you!
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor
