The beauty of the Incarnation of Christ sweeps me away in the Scripture reading during Advent. He has come to deal with the enemy. He has come to engage the battle. Christ’s coming set the battlefield. A baby born for battle. And as a result, WE are free.

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” (Luke 1:68)

A Collect for Peace

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.