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Called to Peace Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body ~ Colossians 3:15 The word "peace" is often associated with the advent season in general and Christmas in particular. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). It is not surprising then that peace is a dominant theme in these days leading up to Christmas Day. But the biblical message about peace is more than just a promise of things to come. The apostle Paul reminds the early church that peace is to be also the present reality for those who are members of "one body" (the church). "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…." So that is where it begins! At times it can seem like peace of any kind is an elusive ideal. It’s even possible that the very idea of peace has been idealized so as to make it unreachable. But, it does not need to be. When all the ideals about peace have been stated, and all of the past-failures in achieving peace have been recounted, it may be time to return to basics – to a starting point that begins with the inclination of our heart. "Let the peace of Christ rule…." It begins with us – within our own hearts, minds, and attitudes. It is about the Spirit of Christ in us. This is not about deep theology, nor good intentions. It is about the clear recognition that the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, is shaping us to live in and with the peace of Christ. Only as we realize that presence will our lives be transformed into what the advent season is meant to be. We become peace-makers when that Spirit radiates in our words and deeds. Prayer Pursue Peace
Peter Borgdorff is Executive Director-Emeritus for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. |
