13/12/2023
Reflecting on Peace this Advent leading up to Christmas.
We reflect at this time of year at the coming of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. But what is it that makes Jesus the Prince of Peace? The answer I want to reflect upon here is the peace that Jesus brings into the world in reconciling the world to God. It is a peace that grows out of communion between God and humanity and humanity and God; it is a peace that grows out of communion between one human being and another; and it is a peace that grows out of communion between God and all creation as it is between ourselves and the earth upon which we live.
It is this interconnectedness, one with another and with the divine that Jesus brings into the world through his incarnation, his birth at Christmas and a reconciliation that comes about through Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection that brings a peace into the world that is beyond our own understanding. We have an invitation to become one with God through Jesus. The earth also becomes one with God, a restored creation on the pathway to its original purpose, to its future existence. Such relationship gives not only peace but also hope for the future, because God through Jesus has the power to restore all things. However, humanity has an integral role to play within this restoration. We have been made stewards of creation. When we take up the opportunity to have a restored relationship with God, we also take on a responsibility to care for all creation. Our need to connect spiritually with the earth and all its forms of life is not simply a modern 'climate change activist' idea or a worldly call to action. It is at the very core of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas, reminding us of the need for humanity to be reconciled with all creation and by doing so, be reconciled with God.
May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen Philippians 4.7