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A few months ago, I was asked to participate in the adult education program at our new church in Round Rock. I suppose it was only a matter of time. Actually, I was delighted to be asked, because this is one area of religious life that I enjoy. There are five of us on the teaching team, so I'm only expected to teach about six or seven times this year. Coincidentally, our current course is titled SHALOM, and my chapter last week and this is appropriate for Advent. It moves from Old Testament perceptions of peace the past several weeks into "Good News From God!" in the New Testament. The curriculum's author contends that peace is the central message of the Gospel. I don't wholeheartedly agree with him, yet he makes a good case. Peace is what the Israelites were hungering for throughout their history. It's what we hunger for today. And the ultimate peace-bringer and peace-maker is Jesus. Our book's author claims reconciliation is making peace (restoring harmony) with God, and reconciliation is what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through his life and death. I can see his point (and since I have to teach this idea in a little over an hour, it's a good thing!) Another of his arguments is that most epistles begin and end with a prayer for peace for the audience, because that was the most important message. I extend this hope for peace to each of you as well. This is how we'll end today's Sunday School session: "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord lift his countenance upon you, and give you peace. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you." Peace, sisters!! --Janice
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January 2022
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