Daily Readings: Psalm 79; Micah 4:1-5; Revelation 15:1-8

In the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills.

People shall stream to it, and many nations shall come and say:

“Come, let us go up to the mountains of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us in his ways and that we may walk in his paths.

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more;

but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.

For all the peoples walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. Micah 4:1-5, NRSV

Most translations of one of the Beatitudes read Blessed are the peacemakers…the ones who MAKE peace – not just the ones who want or even pray for peace. What happens to such people? They shall be called the children of God (Mt. 5:9).

As a veteran of a foreign war, I can vouch for the fact that war is hell. During Micah’s time, all kinds of wars were going on – just as in our time. And Israel/Judah was the focal point. As they say in France, plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose. Or, as Peter, Paul, and Mary sang in the 60’s, Oh, when will they ever learn?

During this Advent, when we ponder the coming of the Prince of Peace, heralded by angels proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors,” may we find favor in the eyes of God and make peace with ourselves and others.

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father, to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. BCP

May both shadow and light lead you to God-With-Us.

Offered by Bill Albritton