Tower and Town, December 2022

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Clergy Letter: Peace On Earth

Years before Jesus was born the prophet Isaiah foresaw the arrival of a Messiah like figure: “And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6). Later, on the night Jesus was born, the shepherds were out with their flocks near Bethlehem. Angels appeared to them saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven. And peace on earth to those on whom his favour rests” (Lk 2:14). Both the prophet and the angels said that Jesus’s birth had something to do with peace. But what was the link?

If we read a paper or watch the news we seem to be quite far from ‘peace on earth’. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and if he was going to make a difference to peace surely we should see more progress. Yet, the wars in Somalia and Ukraine strikingly show a lack of peace.

So, what sort of peace was being talked about? What peace does Jesus offer? Can he bring peace to this earth? Can he bring peace to our hearts? These are the questions and themes we will be exploring further during our Christmas services. You would be very welcome to join us to find out more.

The peace that Jesus is offering is between us and our Maker and so a peace that rests in our hearts and souls. H G Wells writing of Mr Polly said: “he was not so much a human as a civil war.” So many today are anxious, afraid or hyper. Jesus said, “Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

These are beautiful promises of an inner peace that so many are seeking. And once we can find peace in our souls, then we may be able to bring peace to our families, communities and the wider world. Do come and join us at church over Christmas; all are welcome as we celebrate and try to understand more the good news of Jesus’s birth.

Chris Smith