Sunday, December 10, 2023
“Second Sunday of Advent: A Piece of Peace”
Today begins the second week of Advent, the four-week season of preparation for Christmas. This week, we focus on the theme of Peace. Although conflict has existed since the first disobedience recorded in the Holy Scriptures, the realities of war and dispute are more prevalent this year. One doesn’t need internet access or cable television to know that the world desperately needs Peace, but we are going to need a Divine Miracle to experience it.
Why is Peace so difficult? Something as simple as a Peaceful relationship can be difficult to maintain when intentions are poorly communicated or words are misunderstood. Conflict is often unresolved and even promises are broken. The reality is that anytime more than one person is involved in a conversation or situation, disagreement is possible. We’ve learned the hard way that the way we respond and react to a disagreement is what matters the most.
In the case of disagreement between countries, I think we all agree that’s the worst. No reasonable person wants war and those of us on the sidelines are left with few answers about how to react and respond. Not that anyone is asking my opinion, but here’s a thought that helps me: God dislikes disagreements. God despises conflict. God hates war.
God would much prefer for everyone to learn how to love each other, always. In protecting humanity through the Messiah, the LORD also protected our differences, allowing us the opportunity to improve each other, and the world, through our diversity. Our disagreements and conflicts are often part of the learning process as we seek to be generous, kind, and loving to all people. God doesn’t force us to be kind and God doesn’t orchestrate war. Instead, God desires the best from His people. God uses Divine creativity to bless us and the world, even in the most difficult of situations.
World Peace would solve a lot of problems. Peace in our relationships with friends and family would do the same. For both issues, prayer is a necessary part of the resolution. No matter how big or distant the situations, our communication with God regarding our concerns can do more good than we might think! Praying for Peace and thanking God for the Peace we experience are both great prayers that God hears, appreciates, and answers.
As we pray for Peace, remember that God doesn’t always answer us in the manner we might expect. God isn’t going to force your best friend to “come around” and admit fault. Nor is God going to force the “bad people” to start being nice. God allows them free will just the same as he does for each of us (I’m assuming, of course, that everyone reading this is on the right side). Instead of expecting our solution, it’s better to open our hearts and minds to whatever is before us. Sometimes, we miss God’s answers and opportunities because we’re too focused on what we want and expect, clouding our vision of what God might be trying to accomplish for us and for those we love.
Pray for World Peace. Pray for Peace at Home. Pray for Peace in our governments, workplaces, schools, churches, and organizations. If we can attain at least one tee-tiny Piece of Peace, we might just witness how the Piece of Peace can change our World.
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NRSV)