Each week as we gather for corporate worship, the liturgy shifts from the focus on the ministry of the Word proclaimed to our response to what is read and preached. We hear the words proclaimed, “And now, may the peace of the Lord be always with you,” to which we reply, “And also with you.” Far from a simple salutatory as an opportunity to say hello to those around you, to share the peace of the Lord with others is to express a deep theological reality that is truer than whatever circumstance you find yourself in. More specifically, it is a confession of adherence to Christ’s presence within you and a corresponding release of all that opposes our Lord’s peace in your heart — malice, hatred, envy, jealousy, pride, and so on. These we release before we receive Holy Communion in obedience to Jesus’ warning to “leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come (Matt 5:23-24). In doing so, we participate in Christ’s rule in our hearts and lives; we live as peacemakers and thereby, children of God (Matt 5:9).

There is an inextricable connection between our expectation of the advent of Christ and purity of life. We encounter this connection preached by John the Baptizer as he scolds the Pharisees and Sadducees who approached him at the river Jordan, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matt 3:7). John’s point has nothing to do with exclusivity; his concern is repentance. The message of his rebuke is that nothing would save them from the sharp blade of judgment arriving. This foretold judgment was to arrive to bring things back to a point of equilibrium — in a more precise word, peace, or even better, shalom.

It is indeed a repentant heart that is secured by the peace of Christ. This is the sort of peace that the world cannot provide. True repentance is that of the heart turning from the world and self to Christ, and there will be fruit in response.

To the church in Rome, St. Paul’s instruction is to be children of God, to share the peace of the Lord in their dealings with each other, to live at peace within themselves and in relationship with each other. He instructs them “to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 15:5-6).

Here, the message of Advent comes into clear focus. Our Lord has come into this world to destroy the grip of sin and death, yes, but also and perhaps more especially to destroy the fruit of disunity, for it is at complete and utter odds with the example of unity and peace animate within the life of our Savior.

I look forward to seeing you for this second week of Advent. May the peace of Christ rule in your heart!

Guy