Peace to all?
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people on whom his favour rests.”
Luke 2:14, New International Version
Words like these above of the angel choir to the shepherds, will be read and heard all across the world during the coming weeks – including in conflict zones such as Ukraine- Russia and the Middle East.
‘Peace to people’ might seem only a fanciful dream. Is it? On one occasion, Christ said,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 New International Version
How we need peacemakers in this world to counter those who stir up hate, division, prejudice and conflict! For all of us reading this, probably we will not be involved in mediation work between countries or different groups. Yet we can all play a part for peace by doing what we can among family, friends, neighbourhoods and our work/study places. How might we do so in such contexts? Are we willing to look through the eyes of others? How prepared are we to cross divides to help bring reconciliation? What in our selves needs to change to help there be more peace (wholeness, completeness?)
I am not suggesting these are easy questions to answer or to walk it out in our lives.
Elsewhere in the New Testament, we can read these words;
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace.”
Colossians 3:17 New International Version
How do you respond to the phrase ‘peace of Christ’?
Christians believe in far more than a ‘nice’ story about a child born in Bethlehem. In fact whilst still young, Jesus would become a refugee in Egypt. He grew up doing an every day job – like many people. Into his public ministry, he taught, healed, advocated for the marginalised, challenged the religious status quo and pointed people to the way to be reconciled with God and each other. Ultimately he laid his life down as he was crucified, carrying the wrongs of humanity. Christians also have the audacious belief that death could not hold Him and that He still empowers believers now – the living One, in whom there is true peace (wholeness). Prince of peace! Emmanuel – God with us! That is quite a set of claims of course – is it a misplaced one? How do you respond to such claims?
What would it look like for you to open up your life to the possibility of Jesus and His peace in your life in these weeks ahead?
During Advent, we have various services and events that all are welcome to. An outline is shown below. For more details, please email info@ichurchleiden.nl
Much grace, Andy
Advent Activities:
All activities at Op Eigen Wieken, Valkenpad 5, 2317AN Leiden unless stated otherwise.
Sunday 1st December –
11.00 Beginning service of Advent, including lighting of first candle. Kids and Youth groups happening
19.30 Advent Prayer online – Scripture readings, stillness and reflections and some time to pray together for each other and the world, as we move towards Christmas. Zoom link in ICL app
Sunday 8 December –
11.00 Second service of Advent, including communion. Kids and Youth groups happening.
Saturday 14 December –
19.30 Christmas Craft Event. Finger food, 3 Christmas crafts to make and a short talk: ‘The Missing Piece?’ Ticketed event- on sale through ICL and St James Church – see the ICL app for more details.
Sunday 15 December –
11.00 All-In Christmas Service with contributions from the children and young people. Followed by a meal together
Wednesday 18 December –
18.00 Radiate (student group) Christmas Dinner Event at Opstandingskerk
Sunday 22 December –
11.00 Fourth morning service of Advent, including communion.
18.30 Christmas Carol Service together with St James Church. At the Dorpskerk, Kerkplein 2, Voorschoten. A mix of Christmas carols, Bible readings and a short talk.
Tuesday 24 December –
19.30 ICL Christmas Eve service
23.00 St James Church also have a ‘Midnight’ service for those who would like to go to something later @ Bondsgebouw, Leidesweg 100, Voorschoten
Sunday 29 December –
11.00 Last service of 2024.