I’ve never done an Advent Series before on this blog. This will be fun! Watch for “A Peacemaker’s Advent” right here every Thursday from now until Christmas.
But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Luke 1:13a
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. Luke 1:30
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10
I have never seen an angel, but apparently, it is a frightening thing. We know this because, every time an angel appears in the Christmas story, the first words it says are, “Do not be afraid…”.
Now, I am no angel. But, as a peacemaker, I do know what it feels like for people to be frightened of me. It is actually a fairly common response, especially in church conflicts. When I am called in by a congregation or Christian organization to begin my work as a peacemaker, and I begin having my one-on-one meetings with the players, it is always interesting to me how frightened they seem to be to talk to me. Maybe it is because they know I am a lawyer? Or maybe it because they have misunderstood my role in the process? Or maybe it is their fear of being held accountable? I honestly do not know.
But I do know that, for peacemakers, it means we have one task that is first and foremost in every conflict…we must be a non-anxious presence. We must develop an ability to disarm the players, reassure them that they are safe, and guarantee a process which they can trust. We apparently share that task with the angels. Everything about our demeanor and our words must send a clear message: “be not afraid”.
Being a non-anxious presence is our first prayer this Christmas season for ourselves and for the other peacemakers in our lives. Being like the angels in that regard is a great Christmas lesson. Merry Christmas, everyone!
One response to “A Peacemaker’s Advent: the Angels”
Greetings in Jesus Christ’s name! I am truly blessed by your blogs and I am starting to find my calling as a ‘Peacemaker’ wherever I am. Good tidings to you and your family this Christmas!