A Place of Awe and Welcome
The first Sunday I entered the church, I immediately noticed the choir lined up in full-length robes at the back of the sanctuary. The congregation rose to sing as the choir walked up the aisle, and my heart filled with joy. I found the liturgy of that service to be profoundly beautiful. I returned a few weeks later during Advent and was again moved almost to tears by the music and traditions observed in the service.
A year later, I am still awed by the love and beauty I experience there every week. I love the people, the music, and the traditions observed there. This is where my heart is stirred, where I am challenged to dive deep, and where I am called to worship.
The Passing of Peace
Although I have been in many church services, one unfamiliar tradition was ‘passing the peace of Christ.’ This is done towards the end of the service, at which point we turn to those around us and either hug or shake hands as we say, “Peace of Christ to you.” It is a beautiful time of welcome and fellowship.
Although I haven’t yet explored how and when this tradition originated in our church, something similar is evident in many of Paul’s letters, including Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Google AI suggests that the tradition may have its origins all the way back to the early church. While I don’t often rely on Google AI as a reliable source, I loved this summary, “The passing of the peace is a spiritual act of unification that confers the blessing and peace of God. It’s a time to remember that we are reconciled people of God who are welcomed to the table with words of peace.”
A Prophetical Blessing of Grace
Recently, as I looked around me during this time of fellowship, I was reminded of the priestly blessings of Numbers 6:24 -26. If we back up just a few verses, we read that God told Moses this was how the priests were to bless the people. Several years ago, I heard Tim Keller mention this passage in a sermon. Paraphrasing, Tim Keller said this blessing must have been confusing to Moses because when Moses asked to see God, God told him, “You cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live.” (Exodus 33:20) Tim Keller pointed out that, like many Old Testament passages, this passage is prophetical and points to the message of the gospel. Because of Christ’s substitutionary atonement, God can turn His face towards us. It is the gospel that grants us God’s peace. In a world of chaos, this is good news.
A Prayer of Blessing for You
And so, as a benediction to 2024 and a blessing for you in 2025, I pray this for my church congregation at Second Baptist, my dear friends, precious family, and all who ‘stumble’ across this message. This blessing is for you.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine on you
And be gracious to you;
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace.