Advent Devotions: Peace (11/30/2021)

 

Tuesday November 30                       Peace                             Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all..

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This is Paul’s unifying message. We are one with God. It is a circle. A circle that has no beginning and no end, but following it takes us through many points.

We are called by God. Our call envelops us, leading us on a path through others back to God who called us. Our call to God requires us to be worthy of that call. We need to be meek and respectful of others. When two or more are gathered, Jesus is with us. We need to follow his example and live with others in peace. There is one body in Christ. All of us together. With one common belief. One Holy Spirit to guide us. One Lord, Jesus, who was the teacher by example. Who showed us the way. A common faith, expressed in a multitude of different ways. One entrance to the path through baptism. One end in unity with our God, who began the circle with his call.

The toe bone's connected to the foot bone,

The foot bone's connected to the ankle bone,

The ankle bone's connected to the leg bone,

 

The leg bone's connected to the knee bone,

The knee bone's connected to the thigh bone,

The thigh bone's connected to the hip bone,

 

The hip bone's connected to the back bone

The back bone's connected to the neck bone,

The neck bone's connected to the head bone,

Now I hear the word of the Lord

 

Don Icken

Advent Devotions: Peace (11/29/2021)

 

Monday November 29                       Peace                           Romans 14:17-19

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

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Food and shelter are two necessities of life. Paul isn’t denying that. These verses are in the context of chapter 14 where Paul talks about a concern within the Christian community at Rome about if it was wrong to eat meat from animals sacrificed to idols. There were a lot of pagan temples in Rome where animal sacrifice took place, and apparently a lot of that meat made its way to the market place. Paul says in the 3rd verse, “Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat.” Continuing in verse 6, “Also, those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.”

Is your head spinning yet? It isn’t about being right or wrong. It’s about honoring God. It’s a different way of thinking about things where we walk with and support each other in our struggles. We pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding, and I’ll add, understanding. How’s the song go, “Before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.”

So if peace and joy are signs of the Kingdom of God, how do we participate in that? How do we bring peace and joy to our communities? As I wrestled with this question, it occurred to me that one thing that always helps to bring people together is singing. So I tried to think of a song that would express the joy of being part of God’s kingdom here on earth. What I came up with is the finale to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. But instead of telling you what it is, I want you to look it up and listen to it. And instead of ending with a prayer, I want you to sing along with the choir. You can find it at the following link.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMY3ivdNzwE                      

 You may have to type this into your browser. Enjoy!

Deacon Charlie Germain

Advent Devotions: Peace (11/28/2021)

 

Sunday November 28                         Peace                                 John 14:25-27

I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

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In the Bible passage for today, the first Sunday in Advent, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his arrest and eventual death on the cross. Today we begin preparing for his birth. This is the beginning of the Church year when we recall all the events in the life of our Savior. Jesus wants us to know that what we all wish for – Peace – is ours through him. One of the phrases we hear frequently during the holiday season is “Peace on earth, good will toward men”. In the crazy world we live in, this echoes loud and clear. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone was at peace? During this time of Advent let us prepare for the birth of Jesus and pray for peace.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we ask today for your peace upon our families, country and the world. Help us to prepare for the birth of your Son and the love he brings to us all.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Deacon Dorothy Kafalas