December 7. For those of a certain age, that date is unforgettable. On December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. This major attack on American soil propelled America into World War 2. December 7.
Then there is August 6, 1945. That is the date that the US dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Another infamous date.
While both dates reference horrible events and should be remembered, they also invite us to look at our circumstances today. Today the US has very cordial relations with Japan. And, despite the unleashing of the use of nuclear weapons, they have not been used again. By anyone. While 1000’s of nuclear weapons have been manufactured and exist in the aresnals of numerous countries, they have not been used. While various treaties to curtial their use have failed, they have not been used. While agreements to end their prolioferation have failed, they still have not been used.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s during the Cold War, we lived in fear of nuclear war each and every day. Doom loomed. The fact that nuclear weapons have not been used and the world has not been destroyed is no reason to be complacent. We still need to work to eradicate the threat of nuclear war and all war. But in thinking about our Advent theme “Glad tidings of great joy to ALL people” it is a great joy that nuclear weapons have only been used once and have not been used again. We have the capability to destroy the world, yet it has not happened. Now that is good news!
Prayer: In the Christmas story, the angels proclaim, “Peace on Earth, good will to all.” Peace is difficult to achieve and to maintain be it in our families, in our communities, or in the world. May we help to birth peace in the world; peace that is glad tidings of great joy to ALL people. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 