Peace To You

Peace to you
We bless you now in the name of the Lord

Peace to you
We bless you now in the name of the Prince of Peace

Peace to you

Tomorrow evening we shall have ‘Seekers and Dreamers’ at our Seagull Theatre. Guitars, violin, mandolin, percussion and accordion will accompany traditional carols, we shall enjoy a variety of Christmas readings, there will be mulled wine, mince pies…

It’s an annual tradition… always singing ‘Here we come a wassailing’ and ‘Now the holly bears a berry’… our friend Ian always leading in his inimitable style… always concluding by singing ‘Peace to You’.  

Today’s the second Sunday in Advent. Churches will light the second Advent candle, the candle of peace. How we need…

…Peace in our world… with continuing war, international aggression, political conflict, irreconcilable differences, abused power, corruption…

…Peace in our nation… between employers and employees, demonstrators and law enforcers… in our businesses, schools and NHS.

…Peace in individuals, friends… those facing hospital treatment, uncertainty… those with anxiety, depression, addictions… those with recurring nightmares, insufficient finances, troubled families.

There will be Bible readings about peace…

…Prophecies: ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9:6).

…Stories of angels appearing to Zachariah, Mary and Joseph saying ‘Don’t be afraid’.

…The story of angels appearing to shepherds saying ‘Don’t be afraid. I bring you good news… Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’

Musing… The baby, the man who brought peace to the storm, to the man suffering with his demons, to bereaved sisters whose brother had just died… who said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’

Musing… I light my candle of peace… I seek to be a peace-maker and peace-bringer… ‘Peace to you.’