By Rev. Glen Foster, Coordinator of CBF West
“Speak truth and make peace. Words we speak and how we live create either peace or chaos.”
Recently, a memory I had long ago forgotten was spurred by a photo. A pastor friend and I had co-preached at a baccalaureate for the local high school. At the end of our sermon, Gary sang “The Impossible Dream.” Surprisingly, the other day I remembered most of the song. What is your impossible dream? For yourself? For the world? Zechariah dreams of peace. A day is coming when the elderly will be admired for their wisdom. Children will play in the streets without fear. Crops will produce. Truth will be spoken. The nation will be a blessing to the world.
This was an impossible dream for the people of Zechariah’s day; yet this dream of peace created hope. Our dream of peace seems elusive. Wars. School shootings. Political polarization. Cancer. Family discord. Hunger. Homelessness. Immigration. Injustice. Racism. Misogyny. Is peace an impossible dream? Or is there hope?
Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the Lord of hosts?
The prospect of peace in our time also seems like an impossible dream. Zechariah, however, encourages us to speak truth and make peace, a reminder that our words and actions have consequences. Words we speak and how we live create either peace or chaos.
John Lennon sang words that have echoed for decades, “Imagine all the people livin’ life in peace.” Zechariah imagines the same. Will the hope of peace fuel our imagination this Advent season?
Reflect
Does peace seem like an impossible dream in your life?
How will the hope of peace fuel your imagination this Advent season?
Making Room is a daily devotional through Christmas from the CBF family, with two guides—one for adults and one for children and families—featuring reflections and simple activities for home, Sunday school or worship. Find the Making Room Advent resource here.