These days the world feels far from peaceful and inner peace; that sense of calm in the face of stressors feels impossible to grasp. In Greek, the word for peace Eirenen means unity and accord, and in Hebrew, the word for peace is Shalom, which refers to the appearance of calm and tranquility.
While we all desire inner peace, calm, and tranquility,
Joy Marker
perhaps we need first to accept the invitation to live as a peacemaker.
When we read Isaiah’s words as he shares about the coming of Jesus, he refers to him as “the Prince of Peace.” Jesus came to bring peace to the world, and he was and is a peacemaker. When Jesus spoke on the mountainside, often referred to as the sermon on the mount, he said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Later in his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
The Song “Let there be Peace on earth” was written in 1955 by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller for an international children’s choir. It became a popular Christmas song and over the years has been altered and sung by many, including Vince Gill in his 1993 album titled “Let there be Peace”. Often when reflecting on the word peace this song comes to mind, perhaps because we all long for peace, but lately more so the words that stand out are in the second line, “and let it begin with me.”
As we reflect on PEACE this Advent Season, perhaps, instead of finding ourselves discouraged by the lack of peace in our world, we might consider how we ourselves can be ambassadors of peace, “let it begin with me.”
Joy Marker
So, what might it look like to live as a peacemaker, an ambassador of peace?
As a place to start, let’s consider four characteristics of peacemakers.
Peacemakers represent characteristics of love. Attributes like patience, kindness, not being proud or boastful, they are not self-seeking.
Peacemakers are not people who avoid conflict at all costs. They welcome disagreement but approach conflict, willing to listen and learn first. They are open-minded, seeking to understand while valuing the truth.
Peacemakers are proactive in how they live, building relationships, and trust. They often show mercy to others, display acts of kindness, and win the hearts of others.
Peacemakers are gentle in spirit; they are calm and slow to anger. They understand emotions are involved and are sensitive to others’ feelings. It does not mean they always agree with everyone; instead, they know how to disagree politely.
As we light the second advent candle, Peace, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on how Jesus came to bring peace to the world, to show us how to live as peacemakers.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
The Apostle Paul.
