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In the Christmas story we hear of a simple birth in a barn. There are no face trappings. Just the essentials. We hear of people and animals together. We hear of shepherds, again, people with a simple life. Not a lot of prestige or wealth. Things are pared back. In the Gospel of Matthew, we are also told of a visit by sages who seek out Jesus. These sages may have been people of greater means. And they may have been more learned and respected. But they allow themselves to be captivated by the star and they follow that star. They are single-minded of purpose. They are focussed. So while they might not be of modest means, they still show a simplicity in their dedication to their calling and their dogged pursuit of the dream that has captured them.

There is a message here as we try to cram more events, gifts, parties, activities, food into this season, to remember to stay focussed on Jesus. The story is a call to a focussed life. To a simplicity of means and purpose.

When our wholehearted devotion is to the way of Jesus, we find our lives become more peaceful. We are more centered and less scattered and distracted. The serenity and peace that we desire for ourselves and the world emerges.

If our primary focus is on this kind of peace in our lives, we will become more peace-filled. If our primary focus as a society, as consumers and voter and citizens, is on peace, the world will become more peace-filled. Imagine asking yourself as you make choices through your day, “Is this decision focussed on peace in my life and in the life of the world?” Peace can be very simple.

Can you think of a time when you felt peace filled? What can you learn from that experience to continue to increase peace in your life and the life of the world?

Prayer: We are so easily distracted. There are so many things competing for our attention. May we find ways to stay grounded and centered in God, so that we may live the peace of Jesus for ourselves and the world. Amen.

In the Christmas story, we are told of the angel Gabriel making a trip to see Zechariah and Mary. We are told of Mary going to visit Elizabeth, and later going to Bethlehem with Joseph. We are told of the angels going to visit the shepherds. We are told of the shepherds going to Bethlehem. There is the tradition of the magi, the wise men, traveling for months if not years to visit Jesus. We are told of Mary and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to Egypt. There is lots of travel and movement in these stories. They are making trips. They are going from one place to another.

And that is really what Christmas asks of us. That is what the gospel asks of us. That is what peace asks of us. We are being urge to move, to make a journey, from one mind set to another. From one lifestyle to another. From one perspective to another.

The New Testament talks about faith as becoming a new person altogether. A new creation. Gaining a new identity. It can be hard to leave the familiar behind. Even if it’s not everything we had hoped for. Christmas invites us to make our way to a new place. A place of peace and good will. A place of hope and joy.

Can you think of a time when a trip of some kind has influenced your thinking in new ways?

Prayer: May we not be afraid to leave the comfort of the familiar to follow the path of peace to new destinations. The horizon beckons. The way may be long. We are grateful for our companions on the journey. Amen.

What is peace? The word for peace used in the Hebrew portion of the Bible is a comprehensive term which includes well-being, wholeness, justice, right relationship, safety, and security. It implies having food to eat and a safe home and a caring community where there is no threat of harm.

The word for peace in the Christian portion of the Bible which was written in Greek is more narrow. The original meaning really implies cessation of hostility. So, not being in imminent danger or direct threat. The end of war or conflict. That was considered peace. But in the New Testament, the references to peace include so much more than that. The concept is more comprehensive like the understanding in the Hebrew Bible. The New Testament also highlights peace as serenity and peace of mind as well as well-being in outward circumstances.

Wonder-Full peace simply radiates beyond the idea of no direct imminent threat of danger or the ending of open violence and hostility. Peace yearns to be comprehensive and expansive. Of course, ceasing violence and war is an important part of the journey to peace but that is a step, not the destination.

It has been very disappointing to hear the bellicose rhetoric of the candidates who are seeking the nomination for president of the US. There is so much talk of fighting here and there, building walls for defense and protection, sending drones and troops, taunting with no fly zones, etc. It doesn’t sound like the glorious, encompassing Biblical vision of peace. In fact, it doesn’t even sound like the cessation of open hostility. It sounds like the ramping up of violence and conflict and war.

How we need this Christmas season. We need the star to stop us in our tracks like a deer in the headlights and get us to pursue new directions. We need the angels to sing and remind us of the glory which covers the whole Earth and all its people. We need the lowing animals to disarm our arrogant posturing. We need the baby’s cry to demand our attention and redirect our energies. We need this season, with all of it’s music and stories and images to remind us of the glories of peace.

Think of a time when you truly felt at peace. What was that like for you? How can you experience more of that sense of peace? How can more people in the world feel that way?

Prayer: May our visions of peace lead us in new directions. May our commitment to peace transform us. May our experience of peace sustain us. Amen.

In the poetic Christmas story of the Gospel of Luke, we are told that the angels sang to the shepherds announcing “Peace on Earth, good will to all.” At the Advisors meeting last week, this verse came up in the course of the discussion. Yes, the Advisors are the ones who are responsible for the church finances, property, personnel, etc. But sometimes Christmas creeps in to things, especially at this time of year!

The brief discussion was about good will and peace. One thought is that when there is peace, there can be good will. The idea is that peace is needed for people to be able to treat one another with good will. I’ve been thinking about that. If peace is a prerequisite for good will, then we may never get to the good will.

What if good will is thought of separately from peace? Can we be people of good will with or without peace? I think we can. I think we see in Jesus someone of good will regardless of the circumstances and we are called to be like him. Jesus did not live in a time of peace. And he himself had many personal enemies who eventually succeeded in having him killed. And yet he remained a person of good will even up to forgiving the people who were responsible for his crucifixion.

I think we are called to be people of good will at all times and in all circumstances. And maybe that will contribute to the emergence of more peace in ourselves and in the world.

Can you think of a time when you responded to antagonism or hostility with love?

Prayer: We live in difficult times. Sometimes we may be afraid to reach out to others with generosity of spirit as well as wealth. Sometimes we may be afraid to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation. Sometimes we may leave the olive branch at home in a vase instead of presenting it to an “enemy.” May we free ourselves from fear by extending good will to all. Amen.