2015 Christmas Greetings – Hark the Herald Angels Sing

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Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”

As I write this update to you, it is already the second week of Advent. This past Sunday in our church, we lit the candle of peace and sang that great Wesleyan hymn, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Each year at this time, our family receives at least one Christmas card wishing us “Peace.” Often it pictures a wolf lying down with a lamb or a lion with a calf. This year the thought of obtaining the goal of peace seems very far from our reality.

Internationally, not only the threat, but also the instance of terrorism is on the rise. In our own country, we have faced shootings of various kinds and demonstrations that in some cases have led to outrage and destruction. In the United Methodist Church our doctrinal and scriptural differences have brought us to an impasse; the resolution of which promises to be anything but peaceful as we prepare for General Conference 2016. You add on to that the additional pressures of gift buying, decorating, and preparation for the holiday, and “peace” seems indeed unobtainable.

In all this chaos and conflict, we are reminded that Christ was born into a time of incredible unrest. And yet, an angel announced Christ’s birth to the shepherds with the words, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” And a multitude of heavenly angels praised God and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

God the Father sent His peace to earth through a family and the birth of His only begotten Son. He did not send a political solution or a mighty ruler to overthrow the injustice His people labored under. Instead He sent a baby who would give Himself for us that we might have a peace that passes understanding – a deeper peace than that the world can offer.

As we contemplate and pray for the conflict in our world and in our beloved church, let us contemplate the words of Richard John Neuhaus who said, “The peace that is ours is not a peace of pretending that things are not as they are; nor is it a peace of being blind to conflict. It is the peace of faith. Faith is trust in the Prince of Peace. In the child of Bethlehem, in the powerlessness of a baby, God entered into our conflicts.”

The conflict in the United Methodist Church is shaking our very foundations, which rest on God’s word and the work of His Son on the cross. The carnal desires of some have threatened not only our peace, but also leads away from the moral righteousness, which Christ makes possible for each of us. As we prepare for 2016, we must fervently pray, earnestly work and not abandon the conflict even when the way seems unclear. In this threatening time, let us join the angels and sing:

Hail the Heaven born Prince of Peace
Hail the Sun of Righteousness
Life and Light to all he brings
Ris’n healing in His wings

Katy Kiser – Renew Team Leader

Katy Kiser

Katy Kiser

Katy teaches in her local church and serves on several committees. She served for seven years on the Good News board of directors. Along with writing for Renew, Katy is a freelance writer, and co-author with Faye Short of Reclaiming the Wesleyan Social Witness – Offering Christ.
Katy Kiser

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