Peace Will Come

‘Peace, peace will, peace will come,
And let it begin with me.
We, we need, we need peace,
And let it begin with me.
Oh, my own life is all I can hope to control.
Oh, let my life be lived for the good, the good of my soul.
Let it bring peace, sweet peace,
Peace will come, and let it begin with me.’

Musing… on ‘Peace Will Come’ by Tom Paxton…

Churches throughout the world today will celebrate this second Sunday in Advent by lighting the second Advent candle – the peace candle.

The ancient prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah who would come – ‘The Prince of Peace’… angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds: ‘Peace to all men.’… Jesus said ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.’

Advent, getting ready for Jesus’ coming, often includes the story of John the Baptist preaching: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.’ John said, ‘Repent’ using the Greek word ‘Metanoia’, a combination of two words – ‘beyond’  and ‘mind’.

Our experience and understanding is limited. Metanoia takes us beyond our minds, giving us new hope and vision. Everything we know is changed. We turn around and move into a completely new way of life, the way of peace.

Yesterday we went to Rick and Angela’s wedding. Candles were lit in Pakefield Parish Church.

Alec read St Paul’s words: ‘Clothe yourself with, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love… Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…’

Rector Sharon explained: Clothing ourselves is a choice we make – we choose to put on these virtues; putting on love holds them together; we choose to let the peace of Christ rule. It’s true for Rick and Angela getting married. It’s true for me.

Musing… Jesus’ gift of peace… John’s ‘metanoia’ transformation… St Paul’s words… Sharon’s application… Tom’s personal reminder…

‘Peace will come, and let it begin with me.’

I light my peace candle.