January 6: Deep Peace of Christ
♫ Music:
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27
DEEP PEACE OF CHRIST
EPIPHANY: A manifestation of the Divinity and a moment of sudden revelation or insight. Today we celebrate the traditional Festival of the Epiphany of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12).
The Feast of the Epiphany represents an ancient tradition in Christendom. Its roots are in the arrival of the Wise Men—not yet called kings—of St. Matthew's Gospel (Mt 2:1-12). The intertwining of themes of incarnation, divinity, and the manifestation of the ineffable are represented in our memories of Jesus as baby, as teacher, as priest, and as king. In the days of the Greeks and Romans, the emperors called themselves epiphanies: manifestations of the divine on earth. Yet our God made Himself known to us first as a poor, vulnerable baby. He had power, yet He deigned to use it. He made Himself a servant so that we might be saved in the cosmic battle between God and His Adversary, so that we would not be afraid.
God Almighty, awesome in wonder, condescended in His incarnation to walk among us. As the anointed one, our Savior entered the Jewish Temple and fulfilled its purposes when he declared to His people, “I AM” in its courtyards. He came, in His first incarnation, not as King, but as our High Priest, to shed His own blood for the sake of His creation, humankind. Now we can all enter into His presence, acknowledging Him as our Savior, our God, our King. (Matthew 4:16 and Isaiah 9:2). In the Temple Court, Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (Matthew 4:16) While all around us the battle rages, a light has pierced the darkness. In this world, we have tribulation. The peace that our God offers us is not what the world gives us when it speaks of peace—because peace in this world means simply the absence of war—a ceasefire. It is not a permanent peace. The peace that Jesus offers us calms our troubled hearts, defeats our fear of the world by reminding us to fear the Lord, our Judge, the fear that paradoxically brings peace. He alone is that Wisdom which has the power “to guide our feet into the path of peace." (Luke 1:79)
In Him we have our peace. In Him we have courage. In Him we have overcome the world. We can be steadfast. His light is a revelation to the Nations, and the glory of His people, Israel. (Luke 2:32) He left us His peace by leaving with us His Holy Spirit, the HaRuach HaKadosh, the Comforter. The City that will see peace is the City of the Great King, who will one day dwell there among us. Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for, truly, in that day, the Prince of Peace will reign as our King. Shalom in this New Year.
Judith Mendelsohn Rood, Professor of History and Middle East Studies
May the Light of lights come
To my dark heart from Thy place;
May the Spirit’s wisdom come
To my heart’s tablet from my Savior.
May the peace of the Spirit be mine this night,
May the peace of the Son be mine this night,
May the peace of the Father be mine this night,
The peace of all peace be mine this night,
Each morning and evening of my life.
Celtic Prayer
LORD JESUS, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet
Libera’s Deep Peace of Christ
by emiclassics
About the Music (Piece #1)
About the Composer
John Rutter was born in London in 1945. His compositional career has embraced both large and small-scale choral works, orchestral and instrumental pieces, a piano concerto, two children’s operas, music for television, and specialist writing for such groups as the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and the King’s Singers.
His larger choral works, Gloria (1974), Requiem (1985), Magnificat (1990), Psalmfest (1993) and Mass of the Children (2003) have been performed many times in Britain, North America, and a growing number of other countries. He was honored in the 2007 Queen’s New Year Honors List, being awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire Award for services to music.
Website: http://www.johnrutter.com/
About the Performers
Libera is an all-boy English vocal group directed by Robert Prizeman. Most members come from the parish choir of St. Philip's,Norbury, in South London. According to a 2009 Songs of Praise TV special, the group usually consists of approximately 40 members between the ages of seven and sixteen, including new members who are not yet ready to fully participate in albums or tours. The group recruits from a variety of backgrounds in the London area, and does not require its members to belong to any specific denomination. In addition to recording albums, touring and making regular TV appearances as Libera, the group sings on a weekly basis as part of the full choir of men and boys at parish choral services. Libera is run as a not-for-profit registered UK charity, "providing the opportunity for suitable boys to train as vocalists from any background". Members do not get paid for their work within Libera, but their expenses are covered when touring. The group's name comes from its signature song. "Libera," which is based on the Libera Me portion of the Requiem Mass. "Libera" is the Latin word for "free.”
Website: http://www.libera.org.uk/
A Gaelic Blessing Lyrics
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace of Christ,
of Christ the light of the world to you.
Deep peace of Christ to you.
About the Music (Piece #2)
About the Performer
Born into a musical family Canadian, Steve Bell has been performing and touring since he was eight years old. As Steve’s father was a prison chaplain, it was federal prisoners in Drumheller Penitentiary who taught the young boy to play guitar at an early age. Mr. Bell has created 16 albums including two specifically Christmas albums. He has toured worldwide throughout Canada, the United States, Thailand, India, the Philippines, Poland, Bulgaria, and throughout the Caribbean.
Website: http://stevebell.com/
Peace Be Unto You Lyrics:
Peace be unto you
From the watching angels
Ye watching angels from on high
Peace from the King, the ruler over all things
The Holy One, blessed be He
And may your comings (goings) ever be in peace
And watched by angels from on high
From the King, the ruler over all things
The Holy One, blessed be He
Bless us with peace
Ye watching angels who bring peace
Ye watching angels from on high
Peace from the King, the ruler over all things
The Holy One, blessed be He
Thank you for joining us for the Advent Project.
THE LENT PROJECT
MARCH 5 – APRIL 27, 2014
Join us daily online as together we remember the sacrifice of our great Redeemer. Each day will feature a passage of scripture, poetry, prayer, art and music.