![]() Eventually, Jack became less aggressive, though never completely predictable. Jude’s initial fear of Jack prompted her to briefly consider re-homing him, but I encouraged her to give it time. Jack, however, was quite aggressive when he first came to us, and Jude and I both have scars to show for it. Since she adores them and is the primary one caring for them every day that is to be expected. Salty, like our other two canine friends, Prydein and Max, formed a deep attachment to Jude. My wife and I observed this with two Westie brothers we rescued from abandonment. When there is no trust, there is no peace. ![]() Intuitively, we can sense when someone believes us or not, understands us or not, respects us or not. Let us step out of the biblical story for a few moments to consider the implications and power of a human connection like this. In her spiritual journey, Mary was drawn to Elizabeth like a honeybee to pollen. Elizabeth would understand, for she was expecting too, not just any child, but a specific child of promise, also announced by an angel of God. Who would receive her in her current predicament? Without assumption, judgment or reproach? Cousin Elizabeth, that’s who. The writing was on the wall: to find any kind of peace, Mary would have to go away. And what about sisters and brothers? Friends and relations? Rabbi and the Women’s Circle? What about the neighbors? Even if her pregnancy was kept in confidence, her physical reality would announce the indiscretion soon enough! Peace with God, perhaps, but definitely not peace with others. Joseph’s reaction is the one we are told about, but you can be sure Mom and Dad had something to say as well, and it was likely on the skeptical side. Her story about the angel Gabriel, while creative, is just too far-fetched to be believed.” “Surely,” he rationalizes, “either she violated her promise of betrothal or another violated her, protected by her silence regarding his identity. Not wanting to expose Mary to public disgrace, yet faithful to rabbinical teaching, Joseph plans to divorce her quietly. Scripture records Joseph’s struggle with this scandalous surprise. She was engaged to Joseph, but the marriage was yet to be scheduled, or for that matter, consummated. Peace with God, perhaps, but definitely not peace with others. She seems to be at peace with God in a profound way. Unlike Sarah who laughed at the suggestion that she would give birth in her advanced age, or Moses who tried to side-step God’s call upon his life, Mary embraces Gabriel’s announcement without resistance. When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to a son, whom she would name Jesus-a Son of the Most High who would sit forever on David’s throne, she was filled with wonder as she marveled at God’s favor. And there is a peace that passes all understanding when we feel one with God, eager to embrace God’s purpose for our lives. I am delighted that I experience that kind of peace as your pastor. There is a peace born from contentment, when our interaction with the world fits us like a hand to a glove. ![]() There is an inner peace of serenity enjoyed by those comfortable with self and others. ![]() There is a peace forged by diplomacy or surrender between two opposing parties, and another crafted through forgiveness. Having entered advent through the doorway of hope given voice through prophetic promise, we begin a journey to Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Prince of Peace. Are there mentors to guide us in the ways of peace? Or are we Elizabeth-the understanding mentor called to help another into a Christmas miracle of peace? Mary embraced God’s purpose with the help of a mentor, Elizabeth. But there are also emotional and spiritual preparations, too. Preparations follow: prenatal care, birthing or parenting classes, creation of a nursery, financial planning. There is great excitement over the arrival of a child through birth, adoption or perhaps foster care. Purpose: the purpose of this message is to encourage cultivation of a posture of peace toward one and all. ![]()
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