12-03-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 3, 2020
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Thought for the Day: Like hope (mentioned in yesterday’s devotional), peace is tricky. Among the other powerful images associated with the Saving One of God (Messiah), we read the words: Prince of Peace. The Hebrew word we translate as Prince comes from the word that means to rule or have power. When you think of it in those terms a question arises: How do power and peace work together? You can create, using power, a reduction in violence. Rome was very good at using fear and intimidation to fabricate peace, the Pax Romana. But let’s be honest, that was only peace for those of a certain status in society. Is it really peace when you are always anxious about the boot of the empire coming down on your neck? That is submission, not peace. Jesus uses an entirely different type of power. It is not about pressuring until there is compliance. The peace spoken of by the prophets and embodied in the birth of Christ is a peace that uses love and mercy as its source of power. It woos us, humbling us to the core with its breath-taking beauty. It might not be quick, but when accepted it is lasting.

Prayer: A child is born anew into this world. O Come, Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God, and show us your understanding of peace. Allow its unique power to evoke a response of peacefulness within us and a peacefulness working through us. Amen.

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