When the song of the angel is stilled, when the star leading the wise men of the East is gone, when the shepherds are back with their flock, when the lights and decorations are put away, The work of Christmas begins: to find the lost – those who cannot find meaning nor purpose in life; to heal the broken – bringing support and comfort; to feed the hungry, at home and around the world who hunger for food for body and soul; to release the prisoner who is bound by addiction, abuse, hopelessness, grief or desperation; to rebuild the nations, having peace with God, ourselves and our neighbour; to bring peace among brothers and sisters, living Jesus message: “As the son of God I did not come to be served, but to serve.”
Peace: peace is not a position. Peace is a way. Peace is a journey we are called to walk, to live. Wouldn’t we rather be on a journey, inviting others to walk with us, than to be at one particular position and having to defend it?
The way of peacemaking is not always clear, whether we are dealing with a personal relationship, a social issue or a global conflict. Despite our understanding of scripture, theology, history and psychology, or our experience with conflict resolution practises, the answers to the violence in our world are often not clearly evident. Nevertheless, we step forward in faith, seeking and pursuing peace, in the assurance that Jesus, the prince of peace will light the way.
Go in peace.