The Weekly Epistle 12/9/20

“Let there be peace on earth an let it begin with me,” was written by the songwriting team of Sy Miller and Jill Jackson in 1955.  They wrote this song about their dream of peace for the world and how they believed each one of us could help create it.   From the introduction of this song to high schoolers at a retreat in California, it was meant to bring people together from different religious, racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds.  From its beginnings, people around the continent would form a circle, lock arms, and sing this song of peace.  
 
Peace on earth!  Is it possible?  When the angels announced Jesus’ coming to the shepherds, they said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14).  What peace did Jesus bring?  
 
The angels weren’t mouthing nebulous platitudes and sentimental cliches.  They were announcing a unique historical event.  God had entered the world to save people from sin.  His arrival meant God was initiating peace with us.  The peace Jesus brings is radically different from the world’s peace.  
 
The second week of advent this past Sunday reminds us that Jesus is our peace.  The good news of Christmas is that Jesus came to be the bridge of reconciliation between you and God.  Reconciliation with God is the restoration of peace.  Imperfect people can enjoy a relationship with God because peace has arrived in the person of Jesus Christ.  Peace with God is worth celebrating this Christmas season and every day throughout the year.  
 
Peace on earth!  It won’t come through political initiatives.  It won’t come through education.  It won’t come by forming a circle, locking arms, and dreaming of peace for the world.  
 
Peace on earth!  Far from envisioning peace in the world, Jesus promised that we would have trouble.  Yet in the midst of this troubled world, we can enjoy peace with Him.  Are you experiencing His peace in your life right now?  
 
Peace on earth?  We won’t fully experience it until Jesus’ return when he establishes his kingdom under his perfect rule.  I am not suggesting we don’t have a role to play in being peacemakers.  “As far as it depends on you,” Paul says, “live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).  Is there someone you need to make peace with this Christmas?  Christmas is the perfect time to give the gift of grace to someone, while celebrating the grace God has shown you.  
 
Church, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” this Christmas season (Colossians 3:15).  Not by “visualizing world peace” but by remembering your peace with God, experiencing the peace of God daily in your lives and pursuing peace with others.  
 
Shalom!  Peace!  Pastor Brian