From the Pastor for November

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. With God our Creator family all are we. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

If you tune your radio or your music-streaming platform to any station playing Christmas music this season, you are likely to hear these beautiful words sung. They have been sung for decades by choirs and soloists. They can be found in the hymnals of many Christian traditions. They have been recorded by pop, country, and Christian recording artists alike. They even moved Pope Francis to tears as they were sung by a group of children of different races and religions, hand-in-hand, at an interreligious service at Ground Zero in New York. These words may most commonly be thought of as part of a Christmas song, but they can certainly be sung all year long.
These words were written by Jill Jackson-Miller in 1955, and first introduced at a weeklong retreat for young people from a variety of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The group had come together for an experience devoted to developing friendship and understanding through education, discussion and working together. Jackson-Miller, whose understanding of the love and total acceptance of God came after she was rescued from a failed suicide attempt, recognized that the need for peace and a closer relationship with God are themes that cross boundaries and unite people.
The prayer for peace throughout the earth, the opportunity to commune fully with God our Creator, and the opportunity to walk in perfect harmony with our brothers and sisters can be felt throughout the Season of Advent. As we think of a country that remains divided in the wake of a contentious presidential election, we pray for peace. As we see news stories about shootings in the streets and on college campuses, we pray for peace. As we watch reports from the trial of a Dylann Roof and think of that horrible Wednesday night in Charleston, we pray for peace. As we hear news of war, and hunger, and disease across the world, we pray for peace. As we hear the plights of our neighbors with turmoil in the home, the office, the body, and the soul, we pray for peace.
Advent is a time for seeking to know the peace of Christ in our own lives, with the constant prayer that one day Christ’s peace will be known by every person everywhere. Yet, we must still pray, as the song instructs, that the peace we are seeking will be only a beginning with us. We do not seek the peace of Christ simply for our own sakes. We seek the peace of Christ to begin in us so that we may join in God’s work of bringing peace to God’s world through the way we live our lives for the good of those around us.
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me…” Let it take root in the deepest part of my soul in a way that changes how I view God’s world. Let it rise up within me in such a way that the difference it makes in my life is noticeable by others. Let it flow from me to touch those around me with the love of God that has the power to shine light in the darkest of places and situations. Let it begin in me, but don’t let it stop there. Don’t let it stop until it has reshaped the world to look more like God’s kingdom.
We each pray for different things during the Season of Advent. We remember to pray for hope, peace, joy, and love, but the prayer for peace is what stands out for me this year. Perhaps that is because of the way that the other three will eventually lead to its manifestation. When we are shaped by the love of Christ, hope is sparked within us that cannot be overcome. When we live into Christ’s hope, we come to know a joy that endures through all hardship and pain. And when the joy of Christ endures, we suddenly gain a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in my heart and yours. Let it begin in the hearts of all the people of Augusta Road Baptist Church during this Season of Advent. May we be so blessed by Christ’s peace this year that we are driven as a community of faith toward acts that bring peace to the community around us. May you all know the peace of Christ in your hearts and in your homes. May you also know of my love and gratitude for you and your families.
Peace,
Rev. W. Mattison King