​2nd Sunday in Advent, December 9, 2018 “PEACE”

Luke 10:6 (NRSV)
And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you.

When I think about Jesus and God, I have an overwhelming sense of Peace. I have this feeling of peace because I believe in God, the Father, in Jesus Christ His only Begotten Son, who died on the cross for you and me, and in the Holy Spirit who brings the gift of Peace to me and you.

My favorite part of the Christmas season is on Christmas Eve services when we pass the Peace to each other and light the candles before singing Silent Night. Sure, I like the gifts and I love being with my immediate family as well as my church family. But it is the passing of the peace where I have this true sense of peace and calm that descends from on high and settles over me like a warm cloak. And then we sing and then we leave, going to our individual homes. 

My wish is that I can receive that peaceful feeling every day and that you can also share that feeling. It doesn't have to be only on Christmas Eve that we pass the message of peace to each other. We should be doing it every day. Next time you see someone, just tell them “Peace be with you!” and see how they react. Do they look startled? Do they reply to you? And if they do, do they say “And with you”? It would be interesting to see what happens. We need more Peace in our fragile lives so go out and share it, one person at a time.

Mea Pomaikai (Blessings in Hawaiian)
Barbara Barcus