Last Advent Reflection: Peace
Peace is not always the absence of conflict, but calm in the center of the storm. Peace is something Jesus promised and gave to his disciples in the midst of their fear, and in future conflict and persecution they would face (my peace I give you...) and Jesus was called to peace. These are the prophetic words of Zechariah, John the Baptist's father, speaking of Jesus' calling. To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. (Luke 1:76–79) Jesus is also our peace. Because of Jesus' death on the cross he obliterated the wall that separates us from God, and the wall that separates us from one another. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility… Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household… (Ephesians 2:14,19) Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He brin