Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/88

Contributor - Freda Witteveen

Title - The Dawn of Peace

Topic - Peace

The dawn of a brand new year is glowing on the horizon and beyond lies the shadow and the promise of a new century for this earth, the twenty-first century since the birth of our Saviour. With the light of the dawn comes a hope in the hearts of all mankind burning ever brighter, a hope for peace in our lifetime. A yearning for unity among all peoples.

As I am writing these words in early December of 1987, looking ahead in uncertainty, Premier Gorbachev, of the Soviet Union, is meeting in Washington with President Reagan, and the highlight of this summit meeting will be the signing of a treaty to reduce and limit the stockpiling of intermediate range nuclear missiles. Surely this is a positive advancement towards a global peace. Yet before we celebrate this historic step, let us continue to ponder how much still has to be done, such as reduction in long-range missiles, the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan and cessation of wars in various corners of the world. Let us not be blinded to the lack of love and trust in our fellow man that prevents all of us from finding true peace.

God has promised us peace, but that peace must come from Him, not from world leaders, however powerful we may perceive them to be. Only God has the power through us, His children, to begin lasting peace, peace such as the world has never known. God's peace is something we cannot properly conceive, but we can dream of it, and pray for it, because of the promises which we find in Scriptures. Therefore the way to peace is firstly with God. We must make ourselves right with Him, and pray for His peace in our own hearts. Only then are we able to bring His peace to others around us. When we bind ourselves together, in the unity that comes from our love of God and our assurance of His salvation, all that we seek in this world, in this life, joy, serenity, and freedom from anxiety will be ours to enjoy.

Eternal God, who makest all things new, and abidest for ever the same: Grant us to begin this year in Thy faith, and to continue it in Thy favour, that, guided in all our doings, and guarded all our days, we may spend our lives in Thy service, and finally by Thy grace, attain the glory of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Freda Witteveen is a member of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Woodstock, Ontario and a member of the Editorial Committee.

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