Rev Dr Vesekhoyi Tetseo (Vee), the author, is the General Secretary of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF).
To live in Peace!
John 14:27
‘Peace’ we dream of does not seem to be the peace we have wished for. When the angels sang one of the glorious choral hymn, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Luke 2:14)” no one would have imagined the state of the world we would be living in now.
Each year the world seems to be drifting apart from what we value most – to live in peace. Instead of peace we continue to witness violence and injustice that plague our world. Several countries like Russia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Libya, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Colombia, Mali, Mexico who continues to wage war with drug cartels, and now war against Israel and Hamas. Is this the world we wish to live in?
Instead of living in peace we continue to see how some countries forcefully impose their will upon others such as that of the Pax Romana, also known as ‘Roman Peace’ during 27 B.C.E to 180 C.E which was a period of stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire, but enforced by brutal military conquests and suppression of rebellions. Is this the kind of peace the world is seeking?
The world battled together Covid-19 with hopes that normalcy will return to the world, instead we were shocked with war in Myanmar, Russian and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas. We are indeed faced with various challenges and uncertainties, how long can this go on?
As we approach Christmas, I am reminded of the glad tiding of the angels. As it is written in the Bible, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14). As Christmas arrives, and as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to bring peace to the world can we also witness the power of hope, faith, and love amongst men. Can we bring good tidings of goodwill to all mankind?
Peace is more than just a word
It is a gift from God
It is His presence
God’s presence-His gift of grace
Peace is not the end of pain
But it is the start of healing
It is the joy of believing
It is Christ-living
It is not the loss of hope
But divine hope in our hearts
Not the silence of fear
But Stillness in God
Peace is what we all need
It is what we all can give
It is what we all can share
It is how we all can live
Dear friends, there is a higher peace, ‘Peace’ that comes from God, who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Prince of Peace. He came to bring us peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. He came to show us the way of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He came to teach us to beat our swords into plowshares, and our spears into pruning hooks. He came to inspire us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
This is the peace that we wish for as promised in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you”. A peace that transcends human understanding, a peace that surpasses human power, a peace that transforms human hearts. A peace that is not of this world, but of the kingdom of God.
May we follow Christ’ example and be peacemakers in our families, communities, and nations. May we also seek His peace in our hearts, as we trust in His promises and plans for us. May this peace fill your hearts and homes, and may it spread to all the corners of the earth.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you all! May you celebrate Christmas meaningfully with your loved ones, and in the presence of the Prince of Peace.
