A mover, a shaker, a lover of nature.
A builder of bridges, you, the peacemaker.
A you who views others as sisters and brothers
and lives by three words: love one another.
– from Matthew Paul Turner’s “When God Made You”

While the virtue of peace may itself be simple,
living out peace can be quite complicated.
Peace is far from easy.
Peace may not even be natural to us
(as the conflict of the natural world reminds us).
Yet it is always worth the effort.
If war is a failing of the human spirit
—a last resort to protect ourselves or others through violence—,
then peace is humanity at its best.
It’s our highest achievement and calling.

And funnily enough, peace is far from passive.
Building bridges, forging bonds, mending fences— waging peace is active,
exhausting even.
But we are called to do it nonetheless,
for Christ himself calls the peacemakers blessed.

And when Christ comes, one of the titles given to him is “Prince of Peace”—
not an angry warrior god eager to smite the wicked,
but a peaceful ruler who will put all things in their proper place.
And until that time comes, we are to wage peace,
to live love in the most active ways we can.

May we ever be peacemakers
in service of the Prince of Peace.

This year’s Advent posts each begin with an excerpt from Matthew Paul Turner’s exceptional children’s book “When God Made You.” It’s one of my daughter’s favorites, and it’s a great reminder for adults as well. It’s pretty much a perfect stocking stuffer for all ages. Also, the image at the top of each post this year is Jessi’s and my own Advent wreath in our home, so know that we’re lighting the candles with you as these posts go live.