The document contains passages from the Bible describing Jesus as the promised ruler who will reign with justice and peace. It also contains quotes emphasizing that Jesus' followers are called to peacefully renounce violence and hatred, and to spread God's message of peace to others through acts of service and kindness rather than force. The final sections encourage using one's gifts to alleviate suffering and establish justice and harmony between all people.

2. Isaiah 9:6-7
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince
of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end. He will reign on
David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with
justice and righteousness from that
time on and forever.”

4. Peace

5. “Here I am,
the servant
of the Lord;
let it be with me
according to
your word.”
(Luke 1:38)

6. Luke 1:47-56
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit
rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been
mindful of the humble state of His servant.
From now on all generations will call me
blessed, for the Mighty One has done great
things for me—holy is His name. His mercy
extends to those who fear Him, from
generation to generation.

7. Luke 1:47-56
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their
inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers
from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but
has sent the rich away empty. He has helped
His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever, just
as He promised our ancestors.”

9. The followers of Christ have been
called to peace. . . . And they
must not only have peace but also
make it. And to that end they
renounce all violence and tumult.
In the cause of Christ nothing is to
be gained by such methods. . . . (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

10. His disciples keep the peace by
choosing to endure suffering
themselves rather than inflict it on
others. They maintain fellowship
where others would break it off.
They renounce hatred and wrong.
In so doing they over-come evil
with good, and establish the
peace of God in the midst of a
world of war and hate. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

11. How does God want to use
you to spread His peace and
good news to wounded
people?

12. Ralph & Marilyn
Showers

13. photos from rainbow acres

14. “Here I am Lord, use me.
Use me to be an instrument
of your peace”

15. Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be

16. With God as our Father
We are family
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony

17. Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow

18. To take each moment
And live each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

19. A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless us with discomfort
at easy answers, half-truths, and
superficial relationships
So that we may live from deep
within our hearts.

20. May God bless us with anger at
injustice, oppression, and
exploitation of God's creations
So that we may work for justice,
freedom, and peace.

21. May God bless us with tears to
shed for those who suffer pain,
rejection, hunger, and war,
So that we may reach out our
hands to comfort them and to turn
their pain into joy.

22. And may God bless us with just enough
foolishness to believe that we can make
a difference in the world,
So that we can do what others claim
cannot be done:
To bring justice and kindness to all our
children and all our neighbors
who are poor.
Amen.