Each Sunday during worship, I am so grateful for member Bill Gibson who reminds us during the prayers of the people to pray for world peace. As we have seen throughout the war in the Ukraine with Russia and now most recently with what is unfolding in Israel, that peace is fragile. Just when it seems that all is well, something evil happens to destroy that peace.
In this season leading up to Advent, we are reminded that Jesus is our Prince of Peace and that his shalom, a peace that espouses human flourishing for all people, will reign forever. Please join me in praying specifically for the people of Israel and Palestine, for those who have lost loved ones, for the safety of those who were tragically taken hostage by terrorists, and for those who await their return. May the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and transcend all understanding. And may the day come quickly when our weapons of war will be turned into plowshares that will foster human flourishing for all.