In the Way of Peace

One of the prophecies of the coming of Christ was that he would give light to those who sit in darkness and guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1)

What does it mean to be guided into the way of peace?

When I think about peace right now, I can’t help but think about Russian troops on the border of Ukraine. I can’t help but think about Israel and Palestine – this ongoing conflict that never seems to end. And closer to home, I think about recent school shootings…

And then, even closer, I can’t help but think about I think about the signs I’ve seen popping up in restaurants informing customers that their servers will not tolerate abuse. We’ve seen it also on airplanes and in schools. In fact, I was at a local hospital the other day and posted right up front, as you walk in the door, there is a large sign that reads, “Our hospital is a healing environment. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.”

Why do they have to post these signs? In our communities, there is a rage boiling over and people are forgetting not only common curtesy but human decency. They are forgetting that these are fellow human beings…

Some of this is out of our hands. But not all of it. For those who are following the Prince of Peace, haven’t we been called to a higher standard?

I am reminded of the way in which our faith both blesses us and summons us… It calls out the better side of our humanity. It calls us to move beyond ourselves. Again and again, the Bible tells us: think about the other, the stranger, the outsider…

Our faith summons us not only to receive peace and blessing but to be a blessing and to bring peace.

This raises the question: Even when I might be feeling anger or frustration or outrage, am I able to live up to this higher calling? Am I able to refrain not only from violence of fist, but also of tongue and of heart? If there is a real problem, are there constructive ways I can confront it without aggression or violence? And to take it even a step further, is there some way I might be a blessing in the given situation.

In this new year, 2022, I pray that Christ would indeed guide us in the way of peace. May his peace come upon us, and work in us, and even through us.

Let us pray: Holy God, You came as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. As we have been blessed, so too may we be a blessing. Work first in our hearts, and then in our lives that your will may be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. In Christ’s name. Amen.