The resurrection is one of the basic beliefs of the Christian church.   Without it we would not have a church.  There would be no promise of life after death.  Jesus said  “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, though he die yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die”.  (John 11: 25-26.) Jesus came to bring peace to our world, and peace within.  At

the last supper before Jesus goes to the cross, He told the disciples then, and tells us this day: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.” Paul in his letters always beings with “Grace and peace from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Jesus said, “Go in peace” (Luke 7:50) and “Peace be with you.” (John 20: 19,21)   The New Testament is so greatly concerned with the restoration of a right relationship between God and humankind.  Peace then is the word used to bring a closer relationship with one another and Almighty God. Through our Resurrected Lord, Christ restores that right relationship now and always. There are other ways we seek peace from time to time.  When a loved one is dying for example, and we must make a decision whether to continue treatment or not.  We also pray for peace of mind.  And when one has an illness or disease we ask for peace, knowing everything was done that could be done. John 14: 27 says, “Peace I leave with you, not as the world gives do I give to you.”  I believe these words will help us through these difficult times.  Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the author of everlasting life,

has called out to us to improve our relations in the Church, the community, and around the world. Back in high school at graduation the choir sang, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” At this time we can do little to change the many wars and conflicts in the world.  We must continue to pray for peace.  May the Holy Scriptures, our prayer and the words from this hymns sustain us in the days ahead.

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;

let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be,

With God our creator, children all are we.

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now,

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow;

to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally,

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

So may it be, Amen.  

Rev. Kenneth S. Valentine