This Advent reflection explores the biblical promise of abundant peace, considering what peace looks like in global crises, in everyday life, and in communities of belonging—especially for people with disabilities.
Views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect this forum or its partners.
Photo by Walter Chávez on Unsplash
Photo by Walter Chávez on Unsplash
The Promise of Abundant Peace
One of the promises of God that Advent invites us to remember is the promise of peace, an abundance of peace. The theme of peace is prominent in many of the scripture readings we read in worship during this season. Many will know that peace features prominently not only in Advent texts, but in the Christmas story as well.
When the angels announce the birth of the Christ Child to shepherds, they sing their praise to God:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” (Luke 2:14).
So, what about this promised peace? To whom is this peace promised?
“There will be an abundance of peace.”
In the Christmas proclamation it was the shepherds who heard the angel’s song. The angels sing of ‘peace on earth, among those whom [God] favours.’ Lest we worry that this peace is somehow limited to some special few—those whom God ‘favours¬’—the account of the angel’s proclamation to shepherds is meant to remind us that God’s favour is not limited to the privileged or high and mighty, as we might expect.
The good news of peace comes to shepherds. It comes down to earth. It comes in Jesus who is born into humble circumstances in a stable in Bethlehem. God’s favour is promised to all in the birth of the Christ Child and the redemption he brings. The One born to us is none other than the “Prince of Peace.” There will be an abundance of peace.
Peace for a World in Conflict
The promise of peace in abundance has me thinking about the many ways that this peace comes to us. What might this promise of abundant peace might look like in our world and in the great diversity of our life experiences? Our minds may first be drawn to think about peace coming in the context of armed conflict.
Today we pray for peace in the land of Jesus’ birth, and in places such as Ukraine, Russia, Myanmar, Sudan, and the many places where people live under the threat of violence. For those who live under such conditions, the promise of peace will mean the cessation of hostilities. For some, such peace will mean the opportunity to return home or to simply breath again.
But an abundance of peace will mean much more.
“God promises a world where there will be an abundance of peace.“
Peace in Everyday Life
What does peace look like in other contexts?
What does peace look like for a middle-schooler? It might mean freedom from bullying. For a jobseeker it might look like meaningful employment. For those afflicted with mental illness, it might mean freedom from anxiety or finding acceptance, love and support in community. For someone caught in an abusive relationship, peace might mean a safe place to land. For new parents, peace might come in the form of a good night’s sleep. For someone nearing death, it might look like acceptance, release from pain, or the promise of homecoming.
These are all manifestations of the peace that Christ brings, because the peace on earth proclaimed by angels is the peace of a world transformed.
A world where swords are turned into ploughshares and spears into pruning-hooks (Isaiah 2:4).
A world where the wolf will live with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6).
A world where every tear will be wiped away; death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4).
God promises a world where there will be an abundance of peace.
“For those who live with disability, peace might come in the form of belonging…”
Peace for Those Who Live With Disability
What might this promised peace look like for you?
For those who live with disability, peace might come in the form of belonging to a community that has moved from exclusion and independence to embrace and mutual care. Indeed, this is a picture of peace for the church, the whole church. Such peace is a gift from God as well as a calling; it is the Spirit’s work of reconciliation and renewal within the body of Christ. As with many forms of peace, it comes as a gift, but the gift is also a practice to be cultivated in community.
“Come, Lord Jesus…bring your abundance of peace.”
Waiting for the Peace of Christ
Christ has come and is coming to set the world right, to bring an abundance of peace. As we wait for his coming, he invites us to participate now in the promised future in hope, love, joy, and peace.
Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly, and bring your abundance of peace to the world, to our communities, to our homes, and to our hearts.
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About the Author
David Anderson:
The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, is Rector (Lead Pastor) at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Oakville, Ontario. He is married to Kathryn and they have two adult children, Fiona and Kaelynn. David and Kathryn live in Hamilton, Ontario.