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Enduring the Coming of Peace
<<First Name>>,
In recent Sundays we've talked about Advent joy (expressed in Mary's song of praise) and Advent hope (seen in Messianic expectation for salvation, deliverance, and the enactment of justice). This coming Sunday we'll consider Advent peace.
By peace, I mean more than "calm" or "absence of conflict." The word justice might be more fitting, as long as we don't confuse "justice" with "suitable punishment." By just peace (peaceful justice?) I mean something like setting things right. An ordering of the world and our relationships with one another in which all can flourish. A reality where everyone's needs are met, everyone's voice is heard, everyone's contribution is valued, and everyone's safety is prioritized. I mean something like what Luke says that Isaiah says about what Luke says is applicable to what John the Baptist says about what Jesus will say. Did you follow that?
4 As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” (Luke 3:4-6)
Advent is about expectantly and actively waiting for the coming of this just, peace-filled reality and for the One who brings it. Peace in our world. In our relationships. In our hearts. But the path to peace? I am not so sure peace can come without some degree of pain, at least for some of us. And I don't mean the pain of violence. I mean the pain of loss, risk, vulnerability, and lifestyle adjustment. The painful unlearning of destructive habits and the possibly-painful learning of healthy, life-giving, loving habits. The pain—even if only momentary—of transformation.
A truly peaceful world is made up of peaceful people, I think. For this world to come, we need a Light "to guide our feet in the way of peace" (Luke 1:79b). While the coming of salvation and peace is good, it might not be easy and pain-free. It might hurt. It might be hard. Living in loving community (of any size) makes us vulnerable to the pain that can accompany sacrifice, correction, adaptation, confession, repentance, empathy, gritty resolve, and more. Are we willing to let God do this painful work in us so that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God"?
-Matt
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