Winter in Nebraska is a time for making peace, often because the weather might make it really easy to just want to stay inside with a warm blanket and a good book. Some of Danish and Norwegian ancestry might even point to this as a practice of Hygge. This is a time that could call us to cultivate peace within ourselves and our homes. But it is also a time to cultivate peace within our communities. The stories of the time after Epiphany call forth examples of Jesus providing another way, shining light on injustice, and calling for reconciliation and justice. The calendar shows observances for Martin Luther King Jr. Day which calls us to serve and embody Dr. King’s vision for a better way forward such as he described in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as Inauguration Day. How might God be calling us to cultivate peace?

 Questions for Reflection:

  • In what ways have you seen and experienced God cultivating peace around you and for you?
  • How might God be inviting you to cultivate peace?
  • What are two or three ways that you will cultivate peace in your larger community and world this year?
  • What are one or two things that are particularly on your heart, as you long for and hope for peace?

Suggested Hymns and Songs:

Calm to the Waves (ELW 794)
Christ, Our Peace (ACS 1037)
Come Now, O Prince of Peace (ELW 247)
Deep Peace (ACS 1018)
Let us Break Bread Together (ELW 471 & LBW 212)
O Day of Peace (ELW 711 & WOV 762)
When Peace Like a River (ELW 785 & LBW 346)

Other Theme Considerations and Potential Connections:

  • “Cultivating Peace” seems like a fitting focus to begin a new calendar year. It seems particularly timely when considering the response of those attending the 2024 Nebraska Synod Assembly, and who shared their hopes, concerns, dreams, and laments with keynote presenter Rev. Jeff Chu. The most common theme shared among the responses that Jeff read from those in attendance was a longing or desire for peace. What might this mean for us?
  • The January calendar includes the second half of the Christmas season’s great twelve days, New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Baptism of Our Lord, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Inauguration Day, the National Day of Racial Healing, and the continuation of winter with its long nights and short days. Given all of the things on the calendar this month, how might this month provide a chance to cultivate peace together as God’s people?