ADVENT
DECEMBER 5
PEACE
ON EARTH
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host, praising God and saying ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and
on earth peace among those whom he favors!’” Luke 2:13-14
Last Christmas, my daughter Darcie introduced me to a
Casting Crowns version with a few changes in lyrics of “I Heard the Bells on
Christmas Day.” Its refrain emphasizes,
even more than the original, “Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” I identify with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s
feelings of hope and wistfulness for “Peace on earth” followed by his
expression of despair. I wonder, “Why
can’t we ‘get it right?’”
At the 222nd Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly
(2016) the assembly reaffirmed a commitment to peacemaking. The assembly underscored the centrality of
peacemaking to Christian faith and promised to “practice boldly the things that
make for peace.” Presbyterians are
challenged to respond to and prevent violence through prayer, direct action,
and advocacy. How can we answer God’s
call and respond to violence and war today? “Let there be peace on earth and
let it begin with me.”
The Casting Crowns’ lyrics encourage me to feel hopeful
again. Here are some excerpts from “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
variations on this refrain by Casting Crowns.
And the
bells are ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a
choir they’re singing (Peace on Earth)
In my
heart I hear them
Peace on
earth, good will to men.
I cling to this truth. God is with us through all of the scary times and violence in our world. That is my hope and my prayer.
Prayer: God, we seek your peace in our daily
lives. We know you are with us today and
always. Amen.
Lois
Poppe
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