by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Peace

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

The possibility of a zombie apocalypse fascinates people. In Newport, Oregon it’s not a zombie apocalypse they worry about but a sea lion apocalypse. Sea lions have invaded their harbor..

On a trip to the Oregon coast, I spent two nights close to the Newport harbor. I didn’t need to set an alarm as the barking of the sea lions woke me up plenty early to start my day. As I walked among the fishing fleet, I was stopped by a sea lion warning me that I had better not go any further only to have another sea lion bark at me on my way out.

Just as people are drawn to watch zombie movies, people flock to peer over the pier to watch many of these pinnipeds fight for a piece of dock on which to sun themselves, and yes, I was one of them (as is evident by the fact I took this picture).

The fighting of these Sea Lions can be intense. They bite and push each other around. They will not budge once they’ve established their territory. If it wasn’t for the need to eat, they might never leave the dock.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 English Standard Version

Peace is a focus of Advent. As we light the candles on our advent wreaths, we remember that God has brought us peace through this baby whose birth we will celebrate next month.

He is the Prince of Peace.

Yet many of our communities that are called by his name look much like these sea lions fighting for position. We bark at each other, throw our weight around, and turn our backs on those in need.

During this time of Advent we take a moment and reflect on our need for the Prince of Peace and to allow his peace to change us, to make us a different kind of community. There’s always room for one more on the dock!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado