January 7: Let the Peace of Christ Rule
♫ Music:
Thursday, January 7
Scripture: Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Poem: The Work of Christmas
Author: Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild nations,
To bring peace among the brothers
To make music in the heart.
LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE
Today’s artwork is an abstraction created by Daniel Callis, a beloved professor of painting at Biola. The lower portion of the canvas references chaos, anxiety, and strife, while the upper part of the composition, in stark contrast, offers the viewer a focused and centered visual experience filled with serenity and peace. Callis’ strategic placement of colors and forms constructs a powerful juxtaposition between conflict and tranquility, the ideas that we want to briefly explore.
So many of us long for peace in this world—now more than ever. Searching the biblical texts, however, Jesus uses the phrase “peace on earth” in association with disruption of the status quo, the need for reform, and the turmoil that will subsequently come. We find a savior who in Luke, proclaims, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division”; and in Matthew, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Perhaps this is a warning for those who convey the message of the Gospel, and words for us to carry in our hearts in an increasingly contentious world.
True peace on earth, however, will not reign until the triumphant return of Jesus at his second coming, a peace that will only ensue when all things have been reconciled to God. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called, like the apostles, to carry Christ’s peace into our individual spheres of influence, serving as agents of the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth, “If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it… ” There are many scripture references regarding peace, but they tend to speak of the peace of the individual believer, a peace that Paul asserts “transcends all understanding, (and) will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” a peace found within believers that is transferrable through Christ to those around us.
Most of us are familiar with the story of June 17, 2015: racist and white supremacist Dylann Roof sat quietly through a Wednesday evening Bible study at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston before he shot and killed nine devout Christians because of the color of their skin. One of the most ruthless, cold-hearted crimes in recent American history turned into a riveting conundrum for the media and public when 48 hours later, family members of the deceased confronted the killer. In the midst of their great grief, they offered this unrepentant criminal their forgiveness. The killer hoped his atrocity would escalate racially motivated violence or even start a race war, but instead it fueled a national conversation about grace and forgiveness. Those family members who willingly forgave indicated the realization that their own healing process and ability to carry on depended upon it. When our kindnesses are spurned and we are persecuted or even killed, the Apostle Paul instructs Christians to “Let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.”
Christ is an offense, a source of anger, and a divisive force for those who do not believe. It is only through selfless acts of patient love and fervent prayer that the most hardened enemies of the cross will be transformed. “Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace” is a beautiful plea for the Holy Spirit to do a supernatural work in our lives. As long as we are on this planet, large and small conflicts will continue to emerge. As individuals, we have no control over what others may do. But we can choose to let Christ’s peace “rule in our hearts” even though it may be extremely difficult. Survivor Polly Sheppard, whose life was purposely spared the night of the Charleston shootings so that she could tell others what occurred, is praying for the day when she can help Dylann Roof find his way to Christ.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, You said to Your disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to You; not as the world gives do I give to You.” We come before You in humility and ask that Your peace which surpasses all understanding will descend upon all people around the world, especially those currently in conflict and at war. Increase understanding and forgiveness between nations. Awaken the longing for a peaceful life in all those who are filled with hatred for their neighbor. Extinguish every dispute and banish all temptations to disagreement. Grant wisdom to civil authorities. Free those held captive, protect those in danger, and comfort those who are suffering and displaced. Implant in all of us reverence for you, and confirm us in love for one another. For you are the King of Peace and the Savior of our souls and to you we give glory now and forever.
Amen.
George Boespflug, Chair, Conservatory of Music
Barry Krammes, CCCA Staff
Iris (Detail)
Daniel Callis III
Oil on Canvas
About the Artist and Art
Daniel Callis III has been professionally active in the art community since 1983. He received his MFA from Claremont Graduate University in 1986 and has been on faculty at Biola University as professor of drawing and painting since 1987. Callis actively produces and exhibits both regionally and internationally and has had his work included in international exhibitions in England and Italy. His work is informed by modern and contemporary discourses in abstraction, exploring the painting as a physical entity and a transcendent, metaphoric object. Memory, fragility, optimism, and longing are recurring themes in his work. This detail from Callis’ Iris reveals congested, erupting surfaces in the lower portion of the painting. However, as the eye moves up the canvas, chaos dissipates as the viewer enters an iris or a circular opening or channel that leads to another realm/dimension. The colors in the upper portion of the picture, in stark contrast to the lower region, are calm and peaceful indicating a sense of tranquility and resolution.
Website: dancallisart.blogspot.com
About the Poet
Howard Thurman (1900-1981) was a distinguished philosopher, theologian, and poet. Founder of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco, the first interracial-interdenominational church in the U.S., Thurman authored more than twenty books, including Meditations of the Heart, The Centering Moment, The Creative Encounter, and With Head and Heart, his autobiography.
About the Music
Composition #1
“Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace”
Lyrics
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love;
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord;
And where there's doubt, true faith in You.
Make me a channel of Your peace.
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness--only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy.
Oh Master, grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
In giving to all men that we receive,
And in dying that we're born to eternal life.
Oh Master, grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love;
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord,
And where there's doubt, true faith in You.
About the Performer
Susan Magdalane Boyle (b.1961), a Scottish mezzo-soprano, came to international fame after competing as a contestant on the talent show Britain's Got Talent. Boyle’s initial appearance on the show fired the public imagination when her modest stage presence left audiences, viewers, and judges unprepared for the power and expression of her voice. She finished second in the competition, and international response across the media catapulted her to instant success. Boyle’s debut album I Dreamed A Dream (2009) was the highest selling debut album across the world, and it still holds the number one spot in Britain for the best selling debut album. I Dreamed A Dream, along with her second album The Gift, earned Boyle Grammy nominations in both 2011 and 2012. She has received an honorary doctorate from Queen Margaret University of Edinburgh and was awarded the Icon Award in 2013 by the Radio Forth Awards. Boyle has released a total of six albums. The song “Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace” can be found on The Gift.
Website: www.susanboylemusic.com
Composition #2
"Peace to Us All"
Lyrics
O Prince of Peace whose promised birth
The angels sang with "Peace on earth,"
Peace be to us and all beside,
Peace to us all--
Peace to the world this Christmastide.
O Child who found to lay your head
No place but in a manger bed,
Come where our doors are opened wide,
Peace to us all--
Peace to the world--
Peace in our homes this Christmastide.
O Christ whom shepherds came to find,
Their joy be ours in heart and mind;
Let grief and care be laid aside,
Peace to us all--
Peace to the world--
Peace in our homes--
Peace in our hearts this Christmastide.
O Savior Christ, ascended Lord,
our risen Prince of Life restored,
our love who once for sinners died,
Peace to us all--
Peace to the world--
Peace in our homes--
Peace in our hearts--
Peace with our God this Christmastide!
Peace to us all--
Peace to the world--
Peace in our homes--
Peace in our hearts--
Peace with our God this Christmastide!
Peace with our God
Peace with our God
Peace with our God this Christmastide!
About the Performers
The King’s Men are a six member vocal a cappella ensemble from the Conservatory of Music at Biola University. Their director, Walt Harrah, arranges the music they sing. They represent the university in concerts throughout Southern California and beyond.
Website: www.academics1.biola.edu/music/booking/kings-men
About the Composer
Walt Harrah grew up in a home where there was music 24/7. He attended USC in Los Angeles where he earned a bachelor’s degree in church music. He went on to obtain a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. For over three decades Harrah has been a session singer. He has sung on numerous commercials, soundtracks, industrial shows and live engagements. In addition, he produced and wrote for the Haven of Rest radio ministry for 24 years. Currently he is the Minister of Music at Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada, CA. He also directs the King’s Men, a male vocal ensemble for the Conservatory of Music at Biola. Harrah wrote “Peace To Us All” for Biola’s 2015 Christmas Festival of Sacred Music.
Website: http://www.waltharrah.com/