The Foundation for Peace

So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.
- Ephesians 2:17-18

These words from Ephesians tell how God reconciled the Jews and the Gentiles and brought peace into the world through Jesus. This Sunday I will use this reading to explore peace. I will spell out how Jesus deals with diversity as a model for how we as a society might stand for real peace in a world that thinks that violence is the solution to all conflict. We will look at how peace is dependent on justice and love; how peace is the presence of justice for everyone and the absence of irrational fears.

On this third Sunday in Advent as we prepare for the birth of Jesus, we will see how the words from Ephesians lay a strong foundation for peace in our lives today.

Jesus, Lord of all the world, coming as a child among us, Jesus, Lord of all the world, grant to us thy heavenly peace.
- He Is Born, traditional French carol