Let There Be Peace on Earth
By Pastor Adam Richards
“Let there be peace on Earth.” For almost 3/4s of a century, this has been a common Christmas musical refrain, played in churches, shops, and public squares across the English-speaking world. But it inherently begs the question: what exactly is “peace?” Some would suggest “quiet” as a synonym, but as discussed in Pastor Autumn’s children’s sermon this past Sunday, quiet doesn’t always mean peaceful!
Indeed I am reminded of a quote from MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which Lindsay Watson already directed us to this past Friday, where King criticizes “the white moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice.” It speaks well of this church that our children have already begun internalizing the lesson that peace and justice go together at such a young age!
Indeed, it is an idea that can be found in scripture, such as James chapter 2, verses 15 through 16 where he states that “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?” The scripture reveals that peace without justice is actually the hiding of conflict, whereas true peace is when justice takes root and all are made whole, removing the desire for conflict altogether!
As the new year approaches, it is worth prayerfully considering not just where peace is lacking both in one’s own life and broader society, but also why. Invite God into a conversation about these matters, be they big or small, and you might find your heart strangely warmed, revealing a path to true peace!
Adam Richards is the associate pastor of discipleship and justice at St. John UMC!