 -Pastor Melissa Fain- 3 A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5 NRSV Did you know for one Christmas eve night during World War I, there was a pause in the fighting? Dec 24, 1914: In France, the British and Germans were cold, wet, and tired. Trench warfare had turned a quick war into a drawn-out mess. The German side, wanting to keep the sacred celebration of Christ’s birth, decorated trees that night. Then, they began singing “Stille Nacht,” or in English, “Silent Night.” After they finished, the German’s cheered. In response, the British sang the English version of the carol. Throughout the night, along the 500 miles of the Western Front, pockets of soldiers stopped fighting. They wished one another Merry Christmas, as enemies became friends for just one Christmas Eve. Peace is not the lack of action. Peace is not silence. Peace is often the brave first steps of singing with the enemy; of acting when everything says you should stay still. The most courageous people in the world are people of peace. Question: In what ways can you show active peace in your life? Prayer: Dear God, in the middle of chaos, help us be bringers of peace. Amen. Places to connect:
To see or share pictures of the Advent Adventure Crafts: Twitter: @FigTreeTweet, #AdventAdventure For deeper discussion: Reddit: www.Reddit.com/r/FigTreeChristian |
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