A Cry For Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

These days it seems like we’re a far cry from true peace.  Our world is full of senseless violence.  People are fighting.  War wages in different places across the world.  Meanwhile in our homes, we run from one activity to the next leaving little opportunity to catch a breath.  Kids are bickering.  Parents are yelling.  We leave no chance for peace to permeate our lives.

Just look at the news from yesterday – Massacre in Pakistan, a family shot to death in my own community, Siege in Sydney.  And it goes on from there.  Our world seems to be a long way away from the peace described in Isaiah.

If you come from a more traditional church background, you probably will be lighting the fourth candle on the church’s advent wreath this weekend.  It will be the fourth Sunday of Advent.  Many people around the world will be talking about peace.  Isaiah talks about an everlasting peace that will come when Christ, the Prince of Peace, returns to rule.  I long for that peace.  May you and I find a glimmer of peace this season as we anticipate Christ’s return.

Do you crave peace?  How will you pursue peace in the week ahead?