Thoughts from DS Olivia
It's Christmas in July! 😊 This month I want to share some of the things I've been noticing in my own study of the Scriptures from Luke 1&2 around our theme of the Fruit of the Spirit. This month we are talking about peace.
Zechariah and Elizabeth, pray for a child and then she is blessed with one and is given peace from God—“The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1:25
In Mary’s song, those who have been oppressed and downtrodden are elevated and honored while the powerful and rich are brought low. This can seem like an unfair situation. Doesn’t God love the self-righteous and the rich and the powerful too? Yes. But while they are in those places they often will not receive what God has for them. In places where power, position, and wealth are lacking we often find God at work in ways we never could have imagined. Are we looking?
Zechariah sings after Mary sings demonstrating a shift in the patriarchy which is required for peace.
He says his son John will lead people to the “path of peace.” That path leads to Jesus and it looks like mountains brought low, rough places plain, crooked roads straight. None of that is peaceful work. However, to make the way straight for people to know Jesus will mean we are faced with adversity. We often look outside the church for those who do this. I would challenge us to look at ourselves. Ask: "Is it me, Lord? Am I making the way more difficult for people to experience Your peace?"
The shepherds who aren't powerful in their society are met with the good news of a Savior. The angels come to them and sing of peace. But they don't just hear it, they see it too as they go to the manger. The outsider is invited in. This is peace.
Moved by the Spirit, Simeon can now die after meeting the Christ child. He has waited and now he holds the consolation of Israel in his arms. He sings his song of peace for himself personally—“you may now dismiss your servant in peace.”—but for all the world as well, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” Peace between all people! And Anna, waiting in the temple day after day, knows this child IS peace the moment she draws close.
The old, the doubting, the young virgin, a child who would grow up to prepare the way, a child who is THE way, the outsiders being brought in, the women being blessed and singing out, the waiting Simeon, and the widow Anna. The path of peace forged in the first two chapters of the gospel of Luke is the path we are called to. Read the rest of Luke's Gospel to find more examples. Also, take a look at the resources below in the Roots and Fruits section. Let's work together to be people of peace all across Upstate NY and beyond. This is the Jesus way!
Pastor Olivia
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