Advent Is...Peace (Part 1)

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

A few years ago, while I was working as a language-learning program salesperson, I met a young man who brought new light into my life. I was opening the kiosk at which I worked as he sat on the wall watching. I smiled at him and bid him a good morning. He smiled back and said good morning.

We engaged in small talk; how is your day, it was cold last night, what time does the mall open. Then he said to me, seemingly out of nowhere, "Do you believe in God?" I smiled at him, hoping on one hand he wasn't going to engage me in deep religious conversation and on the other hand very happy he didn't ask me if I was saved, and replied with a yes.

His entire demeanor changed. He sat straighter, smiled widely, and spoke with more confidence. The questions soon turned into what church I go to and what does our church think about this or that. Since my kiosk was open by this time I decided to sit next to him and have a conversation until a customer came by. I began to ask about his church and listened as his eyes beamed with pride while he told me of how he met his minister and how he was led to God through the unconditional acceptance of Christ.

Then he looked at me, eyes still beaming with pride, his smile still wide with true happiness, and he said, "You know what, too, I never thought I could feel this way about myself or others, and certainly not about God, as long as I was still homeless."

I must have gotten a look of concern on my face because he quickly replied, "Don't feel sorry for me, I'm at peace."

This week we celebrate the peace which comes from Christ. It's a peace which comes from and through the understanding of what Jesus' message on earth was, and still is.

Today's Psalm cries out for the hope that all people are treated fairly, especially the poor. As Christians we are asked to do just that - treat everyone with unabashed equality. It shouldn't matter who they are, what they do, who they believe in, what they practice, where they live, or where in life they find themselves. All people deserve a chance at finding peace, and the peace they search for is the one which allows them to be loved just for being the person they are.

I never saw that young man again, nor do I ever worry about his well-being whenever I think about him. Somehow I know that because he's been given the chance to live his life as the person God made him he will always be okay.