This year, for what is fast becoming an annual tradition, I had to decide on a semi-familiar Christmas-related phrase to disguise day by day throughout December. It was harder than in previous years, but then I started listening to the carol 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel'. It has featured in this and last year's online carol service from my church, Emmanuel, Brighton and in two very contrasting styles. If you haven't yet watched those carol service films, I strongly recommend you do. Here are the links:
Light in a dark place (2020):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80iInC8YWFo&t=128s
Son of man (2021):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoiOEWl4oCw
In this song, I heard this verse:
O Come O King of Nations bind,
All people in one heart and mind.
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.
It is strange, because the exact wording of this verse varies from version to version, and even one recording had slightly different lyrics in the book compared to the recording! I think my wording may be a slight cobbling together of different versions, but it expressed what I felt on my heart.
This is a prayer I want to lift over our world, and specifically our nation and how it relates to the rest of the world, as we enter 2022. I thought I'd take it line by line and explain a bit more of what I felt.
O Come O King of Nations bind
This is a cry for someone to come, to step in. Wonderfully he already has! Christmas celebrates how Jesus came down and became human! He knows all of our struggles, fears and temptations, having faced them himself!
Also, I love reminding myself that Jesus is King of the Nations. He is sovereign over every country and every President, King, Queen or Prime Minister is under his overall authority. Despite the many problems in our world, this is extremely comforting. Also, it shows that Jesus loves all nations equally. The West is not extra blessed! He cares about every individual in every tribe and nation, and he is King over all of them!
The issue of asylum seekers and refugees has also been topical this year, especially with the tragic death of 27 people in the English Channel just a few weeks ago. This issue strongly divides people, but we must seek a heart of compassion and seek to make their home countries a better and easier place to live as well as welcome them here with love and acceptance.
All people in one heart and mind.
I am not naive enough to think everyone is going to agree on everything. In fact, diversity of opinion is important. As much as I assert that celery, beetroot and marmite are all utterly repulsive, I have to accept that some people find them an absolute treat (including close members of my family).
However, this line speaks of a broader feeling. In society, we hear some very worthy statements. Be kind. Treat others as you'd want to be treated. Don't be prejudiced against anyone who is different to you. Help out those in need. All of these are important. People often talk about completely eradicating racism for example. I am 100% in support of all of these ideals. However, to pursue idealistic ends without calling on God to bring them about is futile. As long as sin exists in the world, people will be selfish, unkind, prejudiced and thoughtless to others. We have a sinful nature inbuilt inside us. That doesn't mean we don't continue to educate people or speak up for justice, but we need help from beyond our own effort.
These last few years have brought about great division in society. Political issues such as Brexit, as well as the correct response to the pandemic have been issues that have sharply divided our country. Tribalism is a slightly over-used word but it has some validity here.
Social media has poured rocket fuel on this with people having access to easier ways to interact, but hiding behind keyboards makes people feel they can express themselves in ways unthinkable in face to face contact, shouting down and demonising those who disagree with them.
I pray that God begins to break down the walls we build around ourselves and soften the words we say more and more, and I include myself in this.
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease
There is some overlap with the previous line here, but I like that this verse particularly names three problems we face, and prays that they would come to an end.
Envy - I wish I had what they have. The grass is always greener. If only I had.... then I would be happy. This is an infinite journey; an itch that won't be scratched. It can be divisive and destructive.
Strife - conflict. Exactly the issues I mentioned above, but generally society and discourse seems to be more aggressive and combative these days. Entitlement can lead us to be demanding with people on the phone or in the shops when a particular item or service is unavailable. Strife strife strife. It is not wrong to on occasion fight against injustice, but often we need to accept we won't get everything our own way. Too often, adults are quick to fall into conflict with each other, and the sad thing is it is rubbing off on our children too.
Quarrels - Arguments are everywhere. I have outlined above some of the biggies, but the world just seems a much more argumentative and less forgiving place these days. Personal insecurities can lead to defensive behaviour and discourse which quickly looks to assert a point of view and not budge.
We desperately need to learn to listen to each other properly too.
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace
This last line provides a glorious answer. Peace. Not just any peace. Heaven's peace. The biblical meaning of peace or 'shalom' is not just inner fulfilment or tranquility, not just the absence of any form of conflict, but a state of wholeness and completeness and this can only be found in one person - Jesus Christ. Only in Him can we truly rest, knowing our relationship with God is truly unbreakable and nothing we can do or say can cause us to lose it. One of my favourite, and most often prayed verses in the Bible is Philippians 4 v 7 where it talks about receiving a 'peace that surpasses understanding' that 'guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus'. Here is the wider context of this verse:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4 v 4-7).
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