Proclaiming Peace, Living Peace

Peace is a profound calling transcending mere words or feelings; it is a way of life that embraces all humanity. In the Gospel of Luke, we find two powerful images of peace: the angels at Jesus' birth proclaiming peace to all on whom divine favor rests and Jesus sending his disciples into the world with a message of peace. These images remind us that peace is not just an abstract concept but a tangible mission that requires us to live in harmony with others, regardless of how they name or understand the divine.

In our world, where division often seems more prevalent than unity, it is crucial to recognize that peace is not conditional on agreement or sameness. It is about spreading love to all of humanity, acknowledging the sacred worth of every individual, and seeing the divine image in each person. This means advocating for the marginalized, breaking bread with neighbors of different faiths, and engaging in the hard work of justice. It means standing against racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination and hatred.

Living in peace requires us to see the humanity in all people, even those we may disagree with or find challenging to love. It calls us to reflect God's inclusive love and to proclaim peace like the angels, crossing boundaries of faith, culture, and understanding. As we embrace the peace of God in our lives, we are called to share that peace with a world longing for hope and unity.

The recent sing-along event at our church is a testament to the power of community and unity. People of various faiths came together to enjoy fellowship, music, and fun, demonstrating that peace is possible when we come together in unity. This event, born from a tiny seed of an idea, has grown into a joyful tradition that brings people together and reminds us of our calling to carry peace into a divided world.

As we move forward, let us continue to live in peace, advocate for justice, and embrace God's inclusive love. Remember that the peace we offer may not always be received, but it is never wasted. It is a gift we can carry forward, one act of love and understanding at a time.

Key Takeaways
1. Peace is a calling and a way of life that embraces all of humanity, transcending mere words or feelings. It requires us to live in harmony with others, regardless of how they name or understand the divine. [01:08]

2. In a world filled with division, true peace comes from placing the Divine at the center and allowing love to shape how we see the world and one another. This means advocating for the marginalized and engaging in the hard work of justice. [13:10]

3. Living in peace means spreading love to all of humanity, recognizing the sacred worth of every individual, and seeing the divine image in each person. It is not conditional on agreement or sameness. [20:46]

4. The recent sing-along event at our church is a testament to the power of community and unity, demonstrating that peace is possible when we come together in unity. It reminds us of our calling to carry peace into a divided world. [22:52]

5. The peace we offer may not always be received, but it is never wasted. It is a gift we can carry forward, one act of love and understanding at a time, as we proclaim peace and live peace in our daily lives. [28:15]

YouTube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:08] - The Meaning of Peace
- [01:51] - Different Names for God
- [02:56] - Embracing Diversity in Faith
- [04:16] - The Angel's Song of Peace
- [05:12] - Division in Society
- [07:17] - The Challenge of Unity
- [08:35] - Extremism and Peace
- [10:16] - Growing in Peace
- [12:05] - Glorifying the Divine
- [15:09] - Recognizing Individual Worth
- [16:21] - Forgiveness and Peace
- [18:29] - Stories of Living Peace
- [20:46] - Peace Beyond Agreement
- [22:52] - Community and Unity
- [24:43] - Engaging in Justice
- [26:32] - Advocating for the Marginalized
- [28:15] - Carrying Peace Forward