We were at the Watchnight service at our church. The bell tolled at the midnight hour: then it began. We were inundated with a barrage of gunshots the likes of which none of us had ever experienced. Twice during the cacophony, the shots seemed close enough to be life threatening. Persons hastened to get below the level of the windows as it seemed like the bullets were coming straight at us. We recovered and reassured ourselves that God was with us.
The prayer from the Daily Texts for the day was: “Dear Lord, on this first day of the new year, may we focus on our neighbors, our friends, and our family, and never overlook each other’s struggles. May this be the year of joy and peace. Amen.” By the break of day both our joy and peace were shaken. One of the young men who was in attendance at the service had been shot and killed in a nearby community. The funeral service took place on January 17th in the same building where he had spent his first hour of the new year and prayed that prayer with us.
The agents of the adversary seem intent on making this year in St. Croix anything but a year of joy and peace. They have their role to play. They have their marching orders, but so do we. We are told, “Great peace have they that love Thy law and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165).
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). We are to be agents of change in our world. We are agents of peace and joy! It has been said that man cannot be at peace with his neighbor unless he is at peace with himself. Man cannot be at peace with himself until and unless he is at peace with God. The Christian message is very relevant. Peace with God comes through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Christ! The world desires peace with neighbor and self but often fails to appreciate the need for peace with God and the peace of God.
Our joy was shaken but not uprooted. This was owing to the fact that the source of our joy is the Savior of whom we sing, “Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.” Weeping is temporary. Our joy is perennial; and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh.8:10).
The struggles will come during this year. Let us resolve to focus on neighbors, friends and family. Let us faithfully fulfill our role/s as agents of change. We have what it takes to make this a year of joy and peace. Together and in the strength of the Lord, let us continue one day at a time, one neighbor, friend, family member, and one life at a time. We already have our marching orders. Let us go forth!
Peace and Joy,
From your servant Walton Frederick
C.H.S. ‘79 Chaplain
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