By Pr. Rhoda Klein Miller
Peace on earth sure seems elusive. The international news feed, road rage, the sounds of sirens, drug ads to treat anxiety and insomnia are ample evidence we live in a far from peaceful world.
It’s easy to feel like helpless bystanders as political powers take aim at each other. I’ve also seen misguided anger at the ongoing wars only create even more division among neighbours. How ironic when calls for peace fuel more hatred. One of the reasons I wanted our church to host an art exhibit is to showcase a shared desire for peace safe from political commentary. I can’t tell you if the blame is greater in starting war or refusing to end it. Is the first blow worse than the final one when innocent citizens and children pay the price?
One title for Jesus is Prince of Peace. The angel choir announcing His birth also informed us a new peace would be known on earth. We may be terrible students but He was an exemplary teacher and practitioner of peace-making. He taught us to redefine our concepts of neighbour and family. He showed us how to love our enemies. He framed winning as losing, employed His authority to serve and exercised His power with humility. Imagine if everyone lived by those principles, it certainly would be a more peaceful existence. Instead, humanity’s prideful rebellion keeps us separated from God’s love and grace. However, it is restored when we accept His forgiveness and salvation. Allowing Jesus to heal and restore our broken hearts helps us see people through God’s eyes and want to extend His love to others. Will you take the opportunity today to bring peace to your own heart and to the world?