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Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Blessed are the Peacemakers

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 

This is a very divisive time in our country, and we are looking for peace.  Rev. CeCe, in her sermon on November 22nd, talked of patience and joy that we celebrate together, rejoicing in God’s steadfast love. We can recognize communities of diverse people, every race, religion, and gender embracing each other’s differences and living as Jesus taught us to live. We can become peacemakers within our community.     

The Anti-Racism Task Force has recommended several tests to see what our feelings really are about race, and articles to help us begin the dialogue with others about race and differences of opinion. Rev. CeCe talked about “Black Lives Matter” and suggested reading the next few verses in the scripture reading she chose. Verses 8 and 9 in Philippians 4, Paul states that “whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things which you have both learned, and received and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

With the pandemic infecting more and more people each day, it is difficult to find ways to show God’s peace to others. Sometimes it is little things we can do to show our acceptance, like providing gift cards through the Angel Tree. Or it may be by wearing masks and keeping distant from others, even in stores. That affects all our community, and is something we can all do. In spite of all that is going on, a focus on rejoicing will help to give us peace.   

Prayer: Dear Lord, let us be peacemakers in our community and beyond. Guide us to rejoice in your love for all of us, no matter our race, religion or gender, and celebrate our lives with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.

Carolyn Brandle

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