So we know that the Scriptures are inspired by God and are authoritative for the church’s faith and life. Does that mean that the words in Scripture uttered by angels are just as inspired as those spoken by God or humans? Do their words carry clout, or can we dismiss them as being platitudes? Getting specific, what’s to be made of the angels’ song to the shepherds, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace…“ (Luke 2:14a)? If the chief end of humans is to glorify God, then the first line of the angelic song sounds substantive. What about the second line, the one that sings the promise of “peace?”
Granted, modern translators differ as to who should receive the peace promise. Is peace to be experienced by “all people?” Is it intended for “all people of good will?” Or is it being offered only to “those on whom God’s favor rests?” What’s for sure is that the peace is to be experienced by many, including at least all recipients of God’s saving grace. It may be intended, as suggested in other biblical passages, for all persons created by God. Indeed, given the plan for the wolf to lie down with the lamb, it appears that God promises peace for all creation.
What about that peace? Holiday carols sing its melody. Christmas cards echo its refrain. But do we really want it?
Presbyterians want peace to prevail in Israel-Palestine. The recommendation of the 2004 General Assembly to divest funds aimed at pressing Israel to discontinue acts of violence against Palestinians. The angry backlash against the divestment initiative has been driven by folks who would urge the Palestinians to cease their acts of violence against Israelis. We may disagree about methods of approach, but all Presbyterians yearn to see peace among those conflicted peoples.
Presbyterians want peace to prevail in Iraq. The 2004 General Assembly urged our president to withdraw U.S. troops from that land in order to end the bloodshed. Others have argued that an American presence provides the best possible protection for the minority Sunnis and Kurds, and that the best way to achieve peace is through a program of promoting democracy and nation building. No matter which approach one may think trumps the other, all Presbyterians pray for peace in Iraq.
Presbyterians want peace to prevail in Phuket, in New Orleans, and in Kashmir. The past 12 months have witnessed the devastating conflicts of nature’s wrath in each of those places. The terrors of tsunami, hurricane, and earthquake have destroyed many a life and crushed many a dream. By way of generous giving and hands-on service, Presbyterians are investing themselves in spreading peace to the survivors.
Most of us want peace to prevail in the PC(USA), too. However, some voices in the church are shouting so loudly that they are drowning out the whispers of the many who treasure the Church’s shalom. That’s the problem with peace: it is so easily disturbed. One squeal of a clarinet can disrupt Brahms’ lullaby. A fender bender can turn a scenic country ride into a nightmare of insurance negotiations. And a small contingent of shouting, saber-rattling, church-disrupting comrades can turn a connectional sanctuary into a noisy hell of clanging cymbals.
Do we want peace to prevail on the earth? We do.
He is our peace … I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. These words from the letter to the Ephesians (2:14a ; 4:1-3), like the song lyrics of the angels, may ring in the ears as platitudes. But they claim, alongside other great passages, the status of having been inspired by God. They are authoritative for the church’s faith and life. They cast God’s vision, God’s promise, God’s plan for peace.
Here’s an idea. On Christmas Day, let’s sing those songs, paying closer attention to the lyrics that actually come from angelic voices and apostolic pens. Then, on the day after Christmas, let us cooperate with God in helping them come to pass.
