Advent

December 2nd, 2008

Advent, from the Latin word adventus meaning coming, is the period before Christmas which the established Christian church observes as expectant waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus. Chocolate Advent Calendars start on the 1^st December, but in fact today is the 1^st Sunday in advent.   

So for the next three Sundays, as we prepare ourselves for Christmas, I would like us to look at three things that Jesus brought:  Peace, Joy and Hope.  The fourth Sunday will be our Christmas Special. 

Today we shall be looking at the topic of Peace, with Isaiah 11:1-9 as the key passage.  The reign that is promised is one of peace, reconciliation and harmony.  Our prayer,  ‘Your Kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ means that we must be working towards peace as far as we can.  

This week’s terror attacks in Mumbai underlines the cry for peace, but all of us have a part to play.

This week I heard of a father who had fallen out with and lost contact with his son, and only learnt recently that sometime ago he became a grandfather.  Brothers and sisters, this should not be.  We must do our utmost to bring reconciliation and peace.  Children, do not fight each other. Husband and wife, do not defend your corner.  Don’t retaliate or seek revenge.  Stop being selfish and pushing for what you want.  Stop demanding your rights.  Do your best to comply with what you know pleases your partner.  That is love. 

And  Jesus commands that we love each other.  Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer and no murderer has eternal life in him.  

Our great example and role model is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who laid down his life for us.  Lost contact with your son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father?  Not speaking to that neighbour or ex-colleague?  I beg you to give way and allow peace to come this Sunday.  

David Thatcher

Filed under: Thought of the Week