WEEKLY UPDATES

Dear Friends,

The second Sunday of Advent is centered on peace, a word with only five letters but a thing that takes so much work to achieve. What kind of peace do you seek this Christmas season? Is it peace in your family? Is it peace in your heart? Is it peace for Israel and her neighbors? Is it peace in Ukraine? Is it peace in some other corner of the world? Is it peace and quiet? 

Perhaps what draws us so dearly to Bethlehem is that the peace of a night of shepherds and angels and a baby born king reminds us that the most difficult thing in the world starts with simplicity: a humble birth. I think that message can work for us as well.

Every moment we pray for peace, work for peace, or create peace, is a step closer to Bethlehem. I have been exploring in my heart this December the difference between peacemaking and peacekeeping. You've probably done both in your lifetime. I know I have, but I am shifting focus to peacemaking. It is the more challenging of the two, but it has the most potential to be lasting. Please join me in a prayer for peace:

God of us all, show us the way to peace in our lives as we once again approach Bethlehem.

In Peace to You All,
    Ron