Peace

The fourth lesson in the Nine Lessons and Carols is Isaiah 11: 1–3a; 4a; 6–9

What is it that God can see
and we cannot?

Peace.
A peace which we cannot understand
Cannot imagine.
Cannot achieve
by ourselves alone.
A peace we are offered
like the rain of grace
upon a parched and dry soul.

A peace which began as word with word.
A son of Jesse
A branch from fertile and kingly roots.
Upon him rested the spirit of the Lord.
Upon him rested our salvation.
Wisdom and understanding
were his way.
Are his way.
Counsel and might
Knowledge and a fear of the Lord.
He delighted in the presence of his Father.
He delights in the presence of our God.
Word with word.
Word of word.

Peace
Unexpected relationships.
Wolf with lamb.
Calf and lion.
Child.
Homeless man and pastor.
Enemy and friend.
Unexpected relationships.
Word among them.

Peace.
Cow and bear, grazing together.
Babies, left among those untrusted before.
Nursing child and snake.
Weaned child amid danger.
None will hurt or destroy
because the peace of the father has come.
The earth will know the full knowledge of the Lord.
And there shall be peace.

Image: Tree in Animal Kingdom