“Peace, Interrupted”
“Peace, Interrupted”
1 We shall walk through the valley in peace;
We shall walk through the valley in peace;
If Jesus Himself shall be our Leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.
2 There will be no sorrow there;
There will be no sorrow there.
If Jesus Himself shall be our Leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.
3 There will be no dying there;
There will be no dying there.
If Jesus Himself shall be our Leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.
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Written in the mid 1800s in the Southern United States, the Negro Spiritual "We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace" resonates deeply, offering solace amid life's trials. This powerful spiritual stands as a testament to resilience, firmly rooted in the African American experience. Its lyrics echo the faith of those who have endured deep suffering and oppression, underscoring our collective belief that, despite the challenges we face, God walks with us through the darkest valleys, providing comfort and guiding us toward spiritual wholeness. As we enter the Advent season—a time of anticipation and reflection—this spiritual beckons us to trust in God's unwavering support and encourages us to journey together in faith and unity.
Yet, in a world marked by division and strife, the essence of peace often seems bleak. The events surrounding recent political upheaval, notably the re-election of Donald J. Trump on November 5, 2024, have unveiled deep rifts in our society. This election mirrored a nation grappling with rampant racism, xenophobia, and social injustice, corroding the very fabric of our communities. It illustrated not merely a political moment but a manifestation of entrenched divisions, a reflection of a culture steeped in populism and nationalism, which exacerbated discord rooted in immigration, economic strife, and systemic inequities. Trump’s rhetoric has frequently fueled these divisions, igniting fears and nurturing an environment conducive to bigotry.
This stark polarization beckons us to ponder the viability of genuine peace. Inundated with headlines of chaos, our path forward appears obscured, as civic discourse devolves into animosity, with dialogue often drowned in vitriol and compromise seen as weakness. As we approach the sacred moments of Advent—a time traditionally associated with peace—we confront a chilling reality: Is peace truly attainable in such a fractured world?
In contemplating the landscape of modern injustices, we recognize the myriad oppressions—racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia—that weave a fabric of despair. These injustices ensnare the most vulnerable among us, stripping them of their dignity and peace. The scriptural call of Micah 6:8 urges us to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly,” yet we find ourselves in an age where kindness often yields to hate, where justice remains a distant aspiration for too many.
Advent invites us into a profound waiting for the Christ child—a sacred moment pregnant with hope. As we gather to light Advent candles—symbols of our communal journey—we commit to a process of reflection and preparation. The promise of peace, far from being mere idle fantasizing, is a reality we can strive to realize through Christ. Isaiah 9:6 speaks of a child destined to be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In Jesus, we find the embodiment of peace that rises above worldly tribulations. The conflicting realities of our world call us back to the assurances of Advent, inviting us to focus on the hope radiating from the birth of one who embodied revolutionary principles of justice and equity.
The spiritual "We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace," first uttered by our ancestors familiar with uncertainty and darkness, resonates uniquely during this reflective time. The imagery of traversing through valleys captures both our struggles and the hope that propels us forward. Its lyrical promise embodies our collective grief and affirms the belief that we traverse these challenges not in isolation, but in communion with divine love, which seeks to restore wholeness.
Despite the overwhelming sorrow, we hold fast to the truth that the Creator of the cosmos chose to be with us, incarnated as a baby named Jesus. In this divine act, we encounter the fulfillment of God's promise to be present and engaged in our lives. God chose to respond to our suffering by sending a Son, endowed with the divine capacity to mend the brokenhearted and revive weary spirits. As we journey through Advent, we remain anchored in this hope—God’s presence uplifts us as we navigate our complex landscapes of reality.
Each candle lit during Advent serves to remind us of this promise and the unfolding path toward a brighter future, rooted in the assurance that we are never without divine companionship. The birth of Jesus stands as a poignant reminder—Emmanuel, God with us—who traverses our valleys of despair and sorrow alongside us. As we anticipate the coming of the Christ child, we also remain vigilant to the Holy Spirit’s constant presence, guiding and comforting us.
From this fertile ground of sorrow can bloom a fierce desire for action. The message of Christ's birth is one of engagement, a summons to proactive involvement rather than passive existence. The quest for justice compels us to actively confront the systems that perpetuate oppression. In Jesus, we find a model for this engagement—a figure unafraid to challenge established powers. His life serves as a reminder that authentic peace often emerges from the struggle against tyranny and injustice.
In his 1958 book, "Strive Toward Freedom," Dr. King, asserts that “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." What a powerful reminder that genuine peace cannot be realized solely by evading conflict. Instead, it underscores that true peace arises from the establishment of justice, calling upon us to confront the underlying causes of social unrest and to seek systemic change. Our faith propels us to respond courageously to the injustices that demand our attention, reminding us that our pursuit of harmony is laden with divine promise and prophetic responsibility.
When Jesus proclaimed in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you,” He offered a reassurance distinct from the temporary comforts of societal peace. This divine peace is what we seek during Advent, and it compels us to acknowledge that our hope is not a distant aspiration but a reality to be claimed in our current lives.
The spiritual "We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace" serves as a reminder that our paths may be fraught with challenges, yet the promise of walking through those valleys—with God’s unwavering presence—reaffirms the hope that propels us forward. The journey may lead us through shadows and uncertainties, but God precedes us, illuminating the way.
Let us pray:
Creator God,
We come before You during this Advent season with hearts determined to find peace. We thank You for Your unwavering presence and the vision of a world filled with Your justice and peace. As we celebrate this Advent season, reminding us of the miraculous birth of Your Son, empower us to be agents of change in a world in need of Your peace.
Give us strength and courage to build justice into our world, even through the dissonance and struggles that cause us to feel that peace will never be a reality. Ignite in us a passion for justice that flows freely, affirming the dignity of all our brothers and sisters. May we strive tirelessly for a society where peace overcomes discord and shines brightly amid despair.
As we await the promise of Christ, our Prince of Peace, may we embody the promise of Advent in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.