In her book Prepare the Way, Pamela C. Hawkins encourages reading several of the Lectionary passages as though reading them for the first time. We read these words of Isaiah
“nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!” ~ Isaiah 2:4c-5
Reading this passage as though for the first time, what “jumps out” at you?
The idea of learning war is eye-catching and thought-provoking. How do we learn war in these days? History books, including the Bible, provide sources. Our media – especially social media – illustrate “wars” of varying types: psychological warfare, bombings of countries, extremist groups warring, nasty conflicts between people (even in church settings!) and the list goes on. Children of all ages learn by example.
Are there actions you can take to “neither shall they learn war any more?” Is this something that can be put into action during this Advent season?
MUSICAL OPPORTUNITY “Study war no more” is a phrase in the song Down By the Riverside, an early 1800s spiritual. An energizing version of this song is this rendition by The Fisk University Jubilee Singers (HERE)
May the experience of this Advent season help each of us towards peace. Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!
Lectionary Texts for Sunday, November 27, 2022:
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