December 11, 2021

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

It is impossible for me to read Isaiah's words without hearing the reverberations of Handel's Messiah: wonderful counsellor…Prince of Peace. They cause me to ask how I can honour my commitment to the Prince of Peace…how can I make peace? 

I will narrow this weighty question to: how can I deal with my anger, and impulses to lash back?

Dick Gregory was a black comedian and civil rights crusader. In the sixties, during tense racial conflict, Gregory and fellow demonstrators, sat in at segregated lunch counter. Gregory's order was grudgingly taken while Federal Marshalls watched. When the antagonistic owner delivered the order to Gregory, he leaned into Gregory and whispered, "Whatever you do to that chicken, I will do to you." Gregory slowly picked up the chicken…and kissed it.

In dealing with our anger, a new way of being is required. Matthew described it as "turning the other cheek" (5:38-40) and breaking the cycle of violence. There is an alternative to "lashing back." Following the Prince of Peace means searching for alternatives to acting with anger.

Many wise people have shown me what the way of peace looks like. Stephen Covey, in an inspiring book (The Third Alternative) wrote about finding creative solutions amid conflict over strongly held positions. He says, "When I disagree with someone, it tells me not to fight harder, but to listen more to those with whom I disagree ." The way of peace is listening. 

During a university degree, a professor and I were in conflict over a course requirement. I protested unsuccessfully. I left his office resentful. The next day I saw him coming down the hall. I nervously walked towards him. Before I could think of anything to say, he stuck out his arm and cheerly said, "Hi, John. Good to see you," as if nothing had happened. In that moment, I knew the disagreement we had had was not as important as the relationship between us. The way of the Prince of Peace holds no grudges and sees relationships as more important than disagreements. 

Doing some academic research, I studied a company making critical business decisions. The company had a conflict with a competitor over a trademark. Some senior managers looked for ways to strike back. The President said, "No. We may have a conflict, but we are not at war." The Prince of Peace whose birth we celebrate leads us not against others, but towards peace and shalom.

At Christmas may we meditate on how we can follow the Prince of Peace more closely and find creative ways to live peace. 

John Churchill is an ordained clergy with a varied background. Before he retired, he taught finance at Acadia University. He has been on several church and CABF committees and delights in family events.