Scripture Reading; Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12

Audio sermon, Prepare the Way for Peace,  followed by the Benediction

Thought For Reflection; As we light the candle of peace today on our advent wreath, we reflect on what peace means and how to bring it about in the world. The United Church of Christ is neither a pacifist nor a "just war" church. We are a Just Peace church.

The Just Peace Church vision is a hallmark of United Church of Christ theological identity. For 30 years, the Just Peace Church pronouncement has inspired a grassroots movement of UCC congregations committed to corporately naming and boldly proclaiming a public identity as a justice-doing, peace-seeking church. The Just Peace pronouncement articulated the UCC position on war and peace distinct from other approaches such as crusade, pacifism, or "just war." Grounded in UCC polity and covenantal theology, the position focuses attention on alleviating systemic injustice of all types using non-violence and calls us to offer the message, grounded in the hope of reconciliation in Jesus, that "Peace is possible."