God's peace to come on earth as in heaven....

2 Advent/Year C

Dec 5, 2021

Malachi 3:1-4; Canticle 16; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

This morning, I’m going to ask us to pause after each reading…to take a moment to reflect briefly on what we just heard…

After the Malachi 3:1-4 reading: (From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion)

The prophet Malachi says that God is “like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap” (Malachi 3:2). Reflect on events of the past year. How has God been working to refine and purify your life or your community of faith?

 

After the Philippians 1:3-11 reading: (From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion)

Paul writes to the church at Phillip: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Phil.1:3-5). Think about people in your life for whom you give thanks, who have brought good news and joy to you this year. Consider writing them a letter or card to express your gratitude.

After the Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6 (From Faith at Home – Erin Sample)

Reflect: This chapter in Luke starts off with what feels like another lineage, but it does two different things. First, it helps to determine the time in history when these events occur. Second, it shows John’s authority but also the difference between earthly and heavenly kingdoms.

John has begun traveling and talking about a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:3, NRSV) Then he talks about the world being a path for peace for God. The mountains are obstacles, egos, or systemic injustices. The low valleys are the way the country treats marginalized communities. John is giving us the instructions on how to create that path that turns us to God’s peace.

If the mountains are made low, the paths made straight, the rough ways made smooth, then the flesh (humanity) will be making the kingdom of Heaven on Earth. (end)

In a world that is full of so much chaos and unrest right now…is there any hope for peace…is there any hope that God’s kingdom of peace will reign here on earth, as in heaven?

Yes…“The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” And the Word of God is still being proclaimed for us today, in the hearing of the scriptures this Advent, and through others who have brought the word of God alive for us, through their words and actions…inspiring us…to go out and do the same…to proclaim the Word of God to others and to be co-creators with God in bringing God’s peace to this world…

In today’s gospel reading, John is giving us the instructions on how to create the path that turns us to God’s peace...the path that will lead us to creating the kingdom of heaven, here on earth…

John’s crying out in the wilderness is to help us prepare for the One who is coming again, who will usher in the reign of God’s peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love for everyone…

I invite you again this week…to set aside some time with today’s scriptures, the stories, the questions that arise in your wonderings, and the Advent hymn I will share in just a moment…This week, ask yourself a few questions on the theme of God’s PEACE… Where do I see signs of the path that turns us to God’s PEACE in this week’s scriptures, stories and song? How is this turning towards God’s PEACE changing me? What is this path to God’s PEACE calling me to do?

With the promise of HOPE and PEACE waiting to be born anew in our hearts this Christmas…let us pray with the words of an advent hymn for the 2nd Sunday of Advent…Prepare the way, O Zion

The Hymnal 1982 - #65 Prepare the way, O Zion

Prepare the way, O Zion,

your Christ is drawing near!

Let every hill and valley

a level way appear.

Greet One who comes in glory,

foretold in sacred story.

 

Oh, blest is Christ that came

in God’s most holy Name.

 

He brings God’s rule, O Zion;

he comes from heaven above.

His rule is peace and freedom,

and justice, truth, and love.

Lift high your praise resounding,

for grace and joy abounding.      Refrain

 

Fling wide your gates, O Zion;

your Savior’s rule embrace.

His tidings of salvation

proclaim in every place.

All lands will bow before him,

their voices will adore him.  Refrain

 

YouTube recording: St John’s Episcopal Church, Boulder, CO (2012)

https://youtu.be/7XPCgsN1PTw

 

Rev Julie Platson

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church