Advent Word – Peace
Pain and suffering, tragically familiar to many in the Middle East, are realities shared by people in conflict zones worldwide. From the streets of Gaza to the fields of Ukraine, from the mountains of Ethiopia to the cities of El Salvador, the horrors of war are broadcast in vivid detail, yet the global tide of violence persists despite the heart-wrenching images that fill our screens.
In this Advent season, as we contemplate ‘Peace,’ the stark contrast between our hopes and the world’s conflicts becomes painfully clear. The call for peace echoes against a backdrop of widespread strife. Peace seems more elusive than ever, with casualty reports and stories of violence and suffering – thousands in Gaza, over a hundred thousand in Ethiopia, and countless victims of sexual violence and torture across various conflict zones – constantly reminding us of the urgent need for healing and reconciliation.
There is a universal yearning for the safety and serenity that peace brings. This longing is echoed in the core teachings of the world’s major religions, all upholding the sanctity of human life. In Christianity, this is reflected in the Bible’s persistent themes of life’s sanctity, peace, and justice, calling us to uphold these values in a world rife with conflict.
In response to these escalating conflicts, the voices of faith leaders like Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, cut through the complexity with a message of stark clarity and urgency. He states: “The violence is horrific, and the geopolitics are complex, but my call to love is simple: Stop the killing. Stop all of it. Stop it today.”
Make no mistake: in the Christian tradition, peace transcends mere absence of violence. It embodies an active pursuit of justice, a steadfast commitment to reconciliation, and mirrors Christ’s teachings of love and forgiveness. Being peacemakers, as we are called to be, involves the challenging yet vital work of fostering reconciliation, justice, and equality. This work begins, crucially, with the cessation of violence, but does not end there.
My heart aches for all who grieve due to violence, recognizing that while halting future conflicts is crucial, it doesn’t undo past suffering. Yet, it’s a vital step toward a future free from such grief. In this spirit, Bishop Curry’s urgent call to cease all killing resonates deeply.
As people of faith, we must champion the cause of peace, beginning with our prayers and actions, and a steadfast commitment to non-violence, even amidst daunting challenges. Let this Advent be more than a time of passive longing for peace; let it be an active pursuit to end violence, a commitment that transforms our hope for peace into tangible reality
Heavenly Father, Prince of Peace,
Our hearts are heavy with the burden of our world torn by violence. We lift up to You the war-torn regions of Israel, Ukraine, Ethiopia, and every place where violence continues.
Lord, we pray for an end to suffering, for healing of national divisions, and comfort for all who mourn. Grant wisdom to all leaders and let them seek justice and peace over power and conflict. Strengthen all peacemakers and inspire us to tireless work to create reconciliation.
Renew our spirits with hope this Advent. Help us recognize and remember that even small acts of kindness can grow into peace. Let us not be daunted by the world’s pain, but inspired to act towards peace.
Amen
Image: ChatGPT 4 prompted by George Bounacos
#adventword #forwardmovement #stannesreston #peace
During this Advent Season, I am participating in the Advent Word ministry by sharing an image, writing, or other creative expression around a different word each day. I hope that you’ll also join this effort to create a global Advent calendar on some or all of the days. Learn more about it here: https://adventword.org/