They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. (From Isaiah 2:1-5)

Today is the first day of the church year and the first day of Advent—our time of great anticipation for the arrival of Jesus into the world.  It might be a good time to think of a new year’s resolution.  It might also be a good time to think about what Jesus will usher in during his reign and in the Heavenly Kingdom he is establishing here on earth.  For the resolution—how about we make the peace?  How about we stop physically and verbally put down our swords and spears and instead make peace with our neighbor?  Stop the verbal warfare and gossip that creates animosity and discord!  Stop the arguments and fighting that tears families apart.  How about we reconcile with one another and show kindness and love to one another again?  Jesus has come amongst us—he is Emmanuel—God with us!  He has established his Kingdom, but—as a human race we still are breaking off peace treaties, lobbing bombs into foreign lands, taking hostages, fighting for oil, fighting for land, fighting over skin color and race, fighting for things we already have, and fighting for things we don’t need.  It’s time to embrace the Kingdom of God and to put down our swords, our spears, and make peace with each other and all the nations!  Who says it can’t be done?  We’ve never actually tried it!  Be the change today that the world needs and let’s start this new year without anything but peace and love in our thoughts, words, and deeds, my sisters and brothers in Christ!  Amen!