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Advent Guide: Introduction

November 25, 2016 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

In the absence of kindness and consideration, we have become less civil and more mean-spirited with one another.

Lord have mercy.

In the presence of fears and hurts, we have become destructive and dangerous.

Christ have mercy.

For every ungentle personal act, our leaders push policies of anger or invest in division so that our governments, at a higher level, feed our individual hostility.

Lord have mercy.

How do we stop this?

Let us begin by reconsidering all the ways we are called to be peaceful people. In this season when we prepare ourselves to welcome the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, perhaps we can renew our commitment to living in love and walking in light. Let us rediscover our ability to be merciful toward one another, to be patient, thoughtful, and compassionate. Let us act from a place of generosity and joy.

Let us reclaim peace.

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Peace, Worship

About Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Aleta Payne first joined the Council staff in the spring of 2001 as the Communications Associate. She continues to oversee that work along with development, represents the Council in several partnership efforts, and serves in other administrative roles, as well. Aleta is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in government and foreign affairs and spent much of her early career as a journalist. She has three young adult sons who continue to come home to Cary for dinner, or at least groceries, and two young adult terrier-mix dogs who keep the nest from feeling too empty.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jaye White says

    November 28, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    Thank you, Aleta. This word is much needed in our country, in our world, and in our hearts, especially now.

    Reply

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