Ever since the angels proclaimed their message of “peace on earth” to the shepherds of Bethlehem our weary world has lived between that promise of peace and humankind’s warring madness. It seems we have waited so very long for peace. Our patience wears thin and our hope is challenged, but we are reminded by Scripture that “our time is not God’s time.” Our perspective is limited and brief, but God’s is infinite and eternal.
Being patient while we wait is so hard for us finite humans. 2000 years since Jesus’ birth we are still longing for fulfillment of God’s promise, even as we prepare our hearts again for the miracle of Christmas. We give thanks for God’s grace and patience with all of His fallible children. We humans still live caught between peace on one hand and fear on the other because of our own love of power and our human weaknesses.
But even if it seems foolish by the world’s standards, here and now today we still dare to light this candle of peace, the second candle of Advent. This candle is far more than wax and a wick; it is a witness to the world that God’s promise of a peace that surpasses all understanding is still trustworthy and true.
[Light candle]
Please pray with me as I share this prayer from Kate Bowler and Jessica Ritchie, from their book, “The Lives We Actually Have:”
Come, Lord, that we might see you, move with you, keep pace with you.
Blessed are we who ask that this Advent
we might dwell together quietly in our homes.
Come, Lord, that we might be for others the peace they cannot find.
Blessed are we who look to you and say, God, truly, we are troubled and afraid.
Come govern our hearts and calm our fears.
Oh Prince of Peace, still our restless selves, calm our anxious hearts,
quiet our busy minds.
Hear our prayers O Holy One, which we offer in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Northwest UMC, Columbus, OH, December 10, 2023
Peacefully Harsh 