Into the Path to Peace
Prayer for Understanding
Holy God, through the ages, You have revealed Your truth to Your people.
In the fullness of time, You revealed Your Ancient Words in Jesus Christ. Now, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, open our hearts and minds to receive Your truth anew. Amen.
Last week was a deeply distressing, alarming, and heartbreaking time for Koreans. Many of you who followed the news may have heard about the martial law declared by President Yoon on December 3.
For those who understand Korea’s history, this news is not just political but profoundly painful. Martial law stirs memories of a past marred by tragedy—a haunting reminder of the Gwangju Uprising.
In 1980, hundreds of courageous souls, both young and old, paid the ultimate price in the fight for democracy. For those who lived through that bloody catastrophe, what is unfolding now feels unimaginable and unacceptable.
The nation is again in turmoil; my husband, Thomas, is no exception. In 1980, he was living in the heart of Gwangju, where the massacre occurred—where ordinary people stood bravely against a dictatorship.
So you can perhaps imagine the overwhelming confusion, fear, and anger that many Koreans are experiencing today.
Amid this chaos, I found myself clinging to the theme of this Second Sunday of Advent—Peace. Peace was the word I needed to hear most, and I believe it is what many of us need to hear today.
Last week, we lit the candle of Hope. Today, we light the candle of Peace. But what does this candle of Peace mean to you? Why do we light it as we wait for the coming of Christ?
Let us turn to today’s scripture and seek answers. In the Gospel of Luke, we find four great Christmas hymns: Mary’s Song, known as the Magnificat; Zechariah’s Song, the Benedictus; the Angels’ Song, the Gloria in Excelsis; and Simeon’s Song.
Today, we will focus on Zechariah’s Song.
This hymn, often called the Benedictus, begins with the words “Blessed be the Lord,” the Latin word for “blessed” being benedictus. Over the years, it has come to bear that name.
Zechariah’s Song is a profound expression of praise to God — a song that reminds us of the light that breaks into the darkness, the peace that only God can bring, and the faithfulness of God in keeping the covenant made with Abraham and David.
Luke 1 begins with the story of Zechariah, an elderly priest. Like many faithful figures in the Old Testament, he and his wife, Elizabeth, were childless. Despite their righteous lives and obedience to God’s commands, they had no children.
We can only imagine the countless prayers, tears, and unanswered questions that marked their journey. By this time they might have even let go of their hope.
One day, as the priests gathered to cast lots for Temple duties, Zechariah was chosen to burn incense in the temple — a once-in-a-lifetime honor. With so many priests in Jerusalem, this moment was significant for him.
Zechariah, having prepared for such responsibilities throughout his life, carefully followed the ritual steps.
But as he stood in the holy place, ready to offer incense, something astonishing happened. An angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
How do you think Zechariah reacted? Did he respond with excitement or awe? No—he was terrified, overwhelmed by fear.
The angel reassured him, saying, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to name him John.”
But Zechariah struggled to believe it. He and Elizabeth were well past childbearing age.
Can we blame him for his skepticism? After all, it seemed biologically impossible.
Yet, as a priest, Zechariah should have remembered Abraham and Sarah—proof that nothing is impossible for God.
Because of his disbelief, the angel Gabriel made him mute until the prophecy was fulfilled.
In time, Elizabeth conceived, and the day came when she gave birth to a son. On the eighth day, family and neighbors gathered for the baby’s circumcision and naming.
Tradition dictated the boy be named after his father or a relative. But Elizabeth firmly said, “No! He is to be called John.”
When the crowd sought confirmation from Zechariah, he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John.” At that moment, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak.
Today’s text is Zechariah’s song of praise, a hymn he sang while holding his miracle child in his arms—a song that proclaims the faithfulness and power of God who is the Promise Keeper.
Zechariah’s song is a profound and beautiful prophecy, filled with the Holy Spirit, as verse 67 states: “Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.”
Each line overflows with truth about one awe-inspiring reality:
God has come at last! God in the flesh, dwelling among humanity.
With joy and reverence, Zechariah proclaims God’s saving plan for humanity through the long-awaited Messiah.
In verse 68, he begins: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has looked favorably on His people and redeemed them.”
For 400 years, since the last prophet Malachi, the people of Israel had endured silence from God. Many believed God had withdrawn, and forgotten His promises. But now Zechariah declares:
“The God of our fathers hasn’t forgotten us. At last, the Divine Visitor has come to rescue us, to free us!”
Verse 69 continues: “He has raised up a Mighty Savior for us.” Initially, Zechariah may have been thinking of national redemption from Roman rule.
Yet, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he proclaims a far greater truth: God has come as the Horn of Salvation, the Mighty Savior, who brings spiritual transformation and victory for all mankind.
Jesus came to bring those living in darkness and the shadow of death into Light and Life.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost, lifting them out of sin through His blood.
Jesus came to free those who lived in fear of judgment, granting forgiveness of sins once and for all.
Jesus came to give hope to the hopeless and to heal the brokenhearted.
Jesus came to reconcile humanity with God, restoring peace.
Jesus came to bring this radical transformation which is possible only through Him.
That’s why He was born in a manger over 2,000 years ago.
In verses 76-79, Zechariah turns to his son, John the Baptist. The people had already wondered, “What then will this child become?”
Zechariah, filled with vision and faith, prays over his son:
“And you, my child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.”
John would grow into this calling, becoming the voice in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord.
He proclaimed the good news of salvation and peace, pointing people to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
What then will you be? For what purpose have you been created?
God created you and called you into a relationship with Him, not to live aimlessly but to fulfill a great and divine purpose. No matter your age, health, or circumstances—whether you feel too sick, too old, or too busy—His purpose for you is not done.
Jesus Christ is the light that shines on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death. He came to guide our feet onto the path of peace.
And as His followers, as forerunners of His coming, this is now our call: to be the light for those in darkness and to guide those who are lost, broken, and hopeless onto the path of peace.
Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see?
The world is full of people living in the shadows—shadows of fear, despair, brokenness, and pain. God has called you, just as He called John the Baptist, to prepare the way of the Lord; not by your strength, but by His Spirit working through you.
You are called to be the light to those in darkness. You are called to sit with the brokenhearted, hold their hands, and weep with them.
To speak love into their loneliness, to proclaim hope to the hopeless, and to declare that the dawn is coming.
This past week reminded me how much this world needs the Prince of Peace. It was a hard week—not only because of the turmoil in Korea but because of the heavy burdens carried by those around us.
Duncan Morrison fell and broke his knee, yet he is persevering with gratitude.
Jeanette Viljeon fell and broke her shoulder.
Another patient, sharing a room with Jeanette, had been in the hospital for weeks with a broken hip. Though eager to return home, he now faces a new reality of limited mobility.
And the challenges don't stop there. I spoke with a man whose marriage is in jeopardy. Struggling to find stable work to support his four children, the pressure is taking a toll on his relationship.
Then there’s a husband who is trying to care for his mentally ill and aggressive wife, all while raising their toddler.
And a young man, overwhelmed by despair, was recently hospitalized for suicidal thoughts.
These are just a few of the stories I’ve encountered.
Without Jesus, without His light of peace, this would all feel unbearable. But thanks be to God—His light continues to shine in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
I was reminded of this truth when I read Psalm 23 to Jeanette, who had been so restless and anxious. As I spoke the familiar words, her face softened, and she smiled, saying, “Yes, Jesus is with me.”
Friends, this Advent season, let us remember our call to the path of peace. Be the candle of peace wherever you are.
Bring peace to the hopeless. To the sick. To those who cannot pray. To the lonely, the hungry, and the anguished. Be the hands and feet of Jesus, guiding them to the path of peace.
Let your little light of peace shine, no matter how small it may seem. Even a single candle pierces the deepest darkness.
And remember: Jesus is your peace. May the Prince of Peace reign in your heart now.
Let us pray.
God Most High, thank You for sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to shine His light in our darkness. Just as You called John the Baptist to prepare the way, You call us to be Your light-bearers. Help us to show the world the way of salvation and guide others to the path of peace. O Come, Emmanuel. Amen.