“Peace In the Valley…”

November 29, 2015

Stetson Memorial UMC

First Sunday of Advent

Sunday of Peace

Sermon Series “Awed and Odd”

Inspired by Marcia McPhee

Peace Within the Conflict

Isaiah 2:4; Psalm 122:6, 7;

Romans 13:11; Matthew 24:42, 44

 “Peace In the Valley…”

Prayer for the Spirit’s leading…

“…they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4

To me…it is very exciting to be here at another time of preparation for the new born child. Because love came down for all of humanity we can celebrate even in the world in which we live…even though it may look as if the “world has won.”…for we know the truth that our God is the only true God and will be victorious.

“Keep awake… you also must be ready…” Matthew 24:42, 44

Marcia McPhee states in her “Awed & Odd” Sermon series:

“We Christians believe in “folly”–that there is peace, love, joy and hope in the midst of the good and difficult times. This makes us “odd”–according to those who proclaim the victory of decline and death all around. It is especially in this season of expectant hope that we can instead proclaim the awe-inspiring presence of God’s reign that continually makes all things new. This is a season of odd “union”–swords into plowshares, wolves and lambs resting peacefully together, and the “speechless” singing for joy!”

So here we are at the First Sunday of Advent…the Sunday of peace. Now in the world in which we live we can see a lot of “non-peace” so to speak around us. Our eyes look to see “peace within the conflict”. (Speak from the Spirit). Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting: 3 killed; Our own UMC

Isis; Middle East

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem… peace be within your walls…” Psalm 122:6, 7

“…it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep.” Romans 13:11

Where have you seen non-peace around you and what light of God have you seen in that situation. Remember…we are to now awaken from our slumber…

We are a little “odd” because we are “awed” by God who even in the darkness is there creating order out of chaos. We need to be awakened from our sleep to see and share that vision with those who still have the scales over their eyes.

Let us pray…pray for us to awaken and see peace within the chaos…

Amen