A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE
Today is the second Sunday of Advent, which is the lighting of the candle of peace. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, which means so much more than just “peace.” Shalom suggests a state of fullness and perfection; overflowing inner and outer joy and peaceful serenity. Zechariah, in today’s Scripture passage, compares the arrival of Christ to that of a sunrise. It’s a beautiful piece of imagery for the Prince of Peace, isn’t it? Every summer on Amelia Island, I remember waking up around 5:30 in the morning to watch the sun break the horizon of the ocean. In one moment, I sat in complete and total darkness. In the next, the rising sun overcame that darkness and pure peace arrived. All was calm. All was bright. Christ is the dawn from on high, who was born into this world to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. My prayer this Advent season, as we await the birth of our Savior, is for us to remember God’s gift of peace that he sent to us over 2,000 years ago. As we rush around town gathering our Christmas gifts, attend Christmas parties, send our Christmas cards, and decorate our homes with Christmas attire, may we remember the words from the prophet Isaiah: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…And he will be called the Prince of Peace.”
Marge