Third Sunday of Advent, 2011 - Peace

I was a child during the 1960s and did not enter my teen years until the 1970s, yet I still recall the faddish prevalence of the "peace" sign / symbol as well as the usage of the word (itself) as a gesture of greeting or farewell. It is because of my memories of said usage, in a quickly degrading culture, that I have such an aversion to present day communiques that end with, "Peace," not to mention the feelings stirred whenever I cast eyes upon the gawdy-bum-ugly resurgence of the "peace" symbol. It seems impossible to not see this sign plastered in all manner of variations upon countless consumer items, from home decor to clothing accessories and even down to sequined versions adorning the back-end of female shorts.

Yet where is this peace we worship? Doesn't it seem a bit comical that the sentiment of the two-fingered (reverse victory sign) flash of the '60s is now mass-produced onto such necessary items as iPhone cases?

We continue to live in strife, whether it be wars, conflicts, or political engagements, or crime upon each other, or social media directed revolutions, or protests by the pampered, or discontent among the crowds at the mall, or religious arguments... That we think we can bring about peace on this planet simply by wanting (or wishing) it demonstrates how blind we are to the reality of our situation. Despite all of our technological advancements, and despite the erroneous view that our "morality" evolves, we still delude ourselves into thinking that peace is achievable.

"Imagine all the world, living in peace."

"I have a dream!"

Noble sentiments, yet the authors of those statements died unexpected, violent deaths.

Yet, what of the man who said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword."?

He, too, died a violent death... however, it was not unexpected.

Let's remember, this Advent season, that peace (and prosperity) by our own hands results in our ignoring not only our need for God, but our obligation to Him as well.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

(Luke 2:13-14 ESV)

Note that it is not peace on earth, but on earth peace. On earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

Let it be your desire that we would become those with whom he is pleased.

- images © A R Lopez