The Sunday just before Christmas often seems to be “swallowed up” by the festivities of the holiday. As December 25 approaches, the pace of life seems to quicken as people try to get in last-minute shopping, visit friends and family, attend parties, and prepare their homes for the Big Day. However, the Church, as usual, goes in a different direction.
Today, our readings call us to a quiet contemplation of what this season is about. The prophet Micah reminds us that even while the nativity of Jesus is a pivotal event in the history of the world, it is the simple story of the birth of a Child into a family – a time when all the world fades into the background and the joy of new life is simply present. We do well to remember that this joy is the heart of this season.
This Sunday is the deep breath before the oncoming rush of the holiday. And as we take this breath, the Word of God tells us that this new Shepherd who is coming “shall be peace.”
Notice that it does not say, “He shall be peaceful,” or “He shall bring peace.” Rather, we are told that “He shall be peace.” I am struck by this simple phrase in our readings this weekend. What could that mean?
Our world can certainly use that peace right now, right? These darkest days of the year seem to reflect the darkness of our hearts as we hear of mass shootings, executions of CEO’s, fear of deportations, war in various parts of the world, and many more – not to mention or own personal hardships. Peace is something that we would give anything for at this moment.
That peace is something that God Himself would give anything for – and, in fact, He did! Jesus is God’s response not only to the hold that sin has on each of us, but He is also the answer to the darkness that envelops the world. Jesus not only brings peace, but He is also our peace.
And what does that mean for us as disciples? I think that it means that, as we take this deep breath before the beginning of Christmas, before the turn of a new year, we can focus on being peace ourselves. How are we peace for others? When people encounter us, do they experience peace, or do we project our own brokenness, our struggles, our busy-ness, our chaos onto them? Do people walk away from us refreshed in the Lord or exhausted by our complaints?
Mary was the first to know that peace that is Jesus Christ. Carrying Him in her womb, she comes to Elizabeth and brings that peace to her. Elizabeth rejoices in the presence of Mary and the Child whom she carries and knows that same peace. This is the simple message of this weekend – quietly preceding the hustle and bustle of December 25.
As we go forth from this place, fortified with Jesus, may we know that peace.
And even better, may we be peace for our world.
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