12.22.2009

Advent in Your Everyday: Day #24

Today's Photo: "Thank you, Angels"

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
-Luke 2:14

In the gospel of Luke, it's the shepherds who get an angelic encounter. After Jesus is born (without any pomp and circumstance at all for Mary and Joseph), an angel shows up in a field with a message for some shepherds. The angel tells the shepherds to get moving and find this little King baby. Then, a whole "host" of angelic creatures proclaims: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" After the angels exit, the shepherds head on their way.

What did the angels mean when they said those words? It sounds to me like the angels are saying a prayer for peace on earth.

Peace means: "a state of mutual harmony between people or groups"

Let's commit to living into that definition of peace for the last days of Advent. Mutual harmony. No bickering. No fighting. No being internally super-duper angry about the upcoming snowstorm that will interfere with travel plans (that one is for me!). Peace on earth. I know, we hear it so much it sounds cheesy and cliche. But if we all think its impossible and far-fetched, how will the peaceful proclamation of the angels ever become reality? Peace here and now - in small ways and large ways; the kingdom of God in our midst.

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