Matthew 3.1-12, Advent 2A
Theme: Peace
What are the sources of strife in our lives? There are so many ways we find strife.
First, what is Strife? Synonyms which come to mind are: discord, conflict, friction, war…
If those synonyms are truly descriptive of strife, then we can find myriads of examples all around us. In the news we can find accounts of wars and pandemic. We can find vandalism and violence. On YouTube it takes no effort to find videos of battles where soldiers are killed, their bodies bleeding out in the open fields of unharvested grain. You can watch documentaries depicting villages ravaged by disease and extreme poverty. All of these things are constantly happening.
I searched the internet for poems describing strife and how those authors describe their way of coping. Here is one which stood out.
Bumpy Road Called Life Poet Julie Hebert, ©2015 It seems to me the road called life, Is a windy, bumpy road. It's not easy like told in fairytales, Life can't be changed by kissing a toad. Instead we must weigh the odds, About every decision we make. We worry we'll make the wrong choice, And not know which way to take. Although life's road may have many crossroads, We just have to trust in God and instinct. Life may be a constant question mark, But if you listen you may hear yourself. You are the one who knows You, And the God given gifts that inspire you. No matter the fear or the conflict, If you listen, life will fit like a shoe.
The gospel reading from this Sunday’s lectionary tells of a man. He is known in modern legend as John the Baptist. The text describes an eccentric who lives in the desert hills near where the Jordan River joins the Dead Sea. In that desolate place he preaches of impending arrival of the Messiah. This Messiah will come to earth and bring an end to strife and conflict.
The Gospels proclaim the Christ as the “Prince of Peace.” This Prince is to bring justice and order to the word. There will be no war. There will be no hunger. Life will be like a cool drink on a hot day.
Peace.
Can there really be a life without strife?
Today two candles are lit: Hope and Peace. In our hearts burns the hope for peace.
Worship with us in person at 10:30 AM as we will be praying for peace. The service will also be streamed live on the internet -- (https://fccmaryvillemo.com) or on the church’s home Facebook page. If you missed the live stream, a recorded session is also available to view at your convenience. Want to make a comment on my blog? Click on https://fccmaryvillemosanc.wixsite.com/ftdo.