Advent
December 8, 2022
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-7
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second Sunday in Advent is celebrated as Peace Sunday. I am writing this on December 7, a day that does live in infamy. The day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. The day the US officially became a part of World War II. Jesus came to bring us peace, but we must be willing to give up those things over which we war to have peace. Greed and the lust for power are two of the most hideous causes of war. Jeremiah addressed it in his day as described in the following scripture:
For from the least to the greatest of them,
everyone is greedy for unjust gain;
and from prophet to priest,
everyone deals falsely.
They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace’,
when there is no peace.
They acted shamefully, they committed abomination;
yet they were not ashamed,
they did not know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;
at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,
says the Lord. –Jeremiah 6:13-15
Our world seems to be itching for discord. An actual war exists in Ukraine as Russia wants to take that country over. An insurrection at our own Capitol on January 6 reared its ugly head here in the US. And now some group has destroyed the electrical systems in North Carolina, leaving thousands of people without heat and lights.
What triggers people’s need to address life’s challenges through violence? Where has their peace gone? How do we mend the brokenness in our society, our world?
During this season, we celebrate the Prince of Peace. We need to do more than celebrate but adapt to the Lord’s rule of love and welcome others to do the same.
Prayer: Lord, let your light shine through those who love you so that others can know your peace that passes understanding. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.