Gifts and giving have taken center stage during Advent. We buy and wrap, we put some coins into the charity buckets, but what if we opened Christ-centered thoughts each day? What if we delivered them to family and friends, wrapped in thoughtful phrases and decorated with ribbons of our time and attention? It is rather…
peace
Unexpected Places
You must admit that God chooses some unexpected places to show up. Bethlehem might have seemed unpromising enough; but in the stable of the local Inn? No one would have guessed that. Then there was the continuation of Ruth’s life and the ancestral line of the Messiah; the place for her to meet her husband…
Give the Gift of Peace
On Day 11 We are midway through the week’s emphasis on peace. Is it a matter of feeling peaceful or making peace? We aim for both, although they may not coincide as often as we wish. It is like that line “Why can’t we all just get along?” We wish for peacefulness for ourselves without…
Acts of Peace in a Warring World
When faced with a world full of warring factions we either become inured and turn a blind eye and deaf ear, or we despair at the frivolity of daily life, especially the festivities of life. How can we endure the pain of a hurting world, and then join in jolly food and fun? It seems…
Candle of Preparation and Peace
Thoughts We begin the second week of Advent. It is appropriate to allow our thoughts to meditate on the message of peace, which is central to God’s reconciliation with rebellious mankind. We are so determined to go our own way, even when we desire to do good. This is obvious in the many mistakes we…
The Peacefulness of God’s Rule
The world says it longs for peace. There are peace signs, protests, and proclamations. Yet, there is little peace to be found, and it is short lived. As the pursuit for real, lasting peace continues, the lesson is underlined over and over that such a state requires a foundation of justice and genuine care for…
The Candle of Peace, Respite in a Turbulent World
We Are Thankful For Peace When we are disturbed by stresses, pressures, and upheaval, there is nothing we wish for more than a little peace. Rest that comes from a truce, however temporary, is prayed for, desired, and welcome. Peace is an end of distress torment bombardment from things we cannot control. We have need…
Peace Within A Word
Maybe everyone has them, words of scripture that are special for their lives. Mine stood out to me when I was very young, perhaps 12 years old or so. Now that I am a sixty something, you can appreciate that this is a long time to have a particular scripture hold such an important place…
Bringing Peace to the Soul
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The angels announced peace at the birth of Jesus. They announced that an everlasting peace had come, though it is unlikely…
Breaking Bread In Peace
Begin with listening to Christmas music. In ancient times it was considered a binding type of relationship to eat bread and salt together. It meant you had made a lasting partnership. There were so many deeply meaningful ways people shared their lives together, and sitting together around a meal was a very important one….