Dear Church,

“O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.” If you’re like me, when we enter the liminal season of Advent, this is the song that slows me down to a time of waiting and reflection. I imagine the quiet of Bethlehem, a world waiting for the birth of Jesus, waiting for the profound message of peace and reconciliation he brought into our world.

With the world, we are still waiting. As we check the news each day about the ongoing conflict in the Holy Lands, we know there is no stillness in Bethlehem, but great anxiety. In this Advent season we are confronted with the stark reality of a world yearning for the peace Christ embodies. It’s almost instinctual to feel compelled to choose a side, to align ourselves in a way that often seems to leave no room for the quiet, reflective middle ground where true understanding and peace can be found.

I feel it’s important to remember that Jesus himself walked this middle way. He did not side with violence or aggression, but chose a path of peace, understanding, and love. This Advent, let us too strive to walk this middle way with Jesus. Let us seek peace in our personal lives, within our families, in our institutions, and in the broader world.

As members of the ELCA, we are one of the few national organizations to maintain more than one side on many issues and still gather together. This is a testament to our commitment to dialogue, understanding, and finding a peaceful middle ground. I pray as time and conflict continue to test us­—testing the bonds of friendship and family and church and nation—that we hold fast to this aspect of our identity. Let us be beacons of hope and reconciliation in a world that so desperately needs it.

Choosing peace is not passive. Choosing peace does not mean ignoring the realities of conflict, or the great need for justice. Instead, it means actively working towards solutions that uphold the dignity and worth of every human being. It means advocating for solutions that mirror the teachings and life of Christ. 

May this Advent season be a time of meaningful waiting, deep reflection, and a renewed commitment to the path of peace Jesus laid out for us. As we quietly journey together, I ask you to pray with me.

Gracious God, as we await the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, guide us to be peacemakers in our troubled world. Fill our hearts with your peace, that we might reflect your love in all that we do. Amen.

Grateful for the ways you bring peace to your neighbors,

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA