The Promise of Peace // Revd Graham Hunter

·17 min·1 clip

Rev. Graham Hunter explores why peace feels impossible despite being central to Christmas carols and global longing.

The episode is a sermon by Rev. Graham Hunter at St John's Hoxton, focusing on the biblical concept of peace during the Christmas season. It begins by noting the prevalence of peace in Christmas carols like 'Silent Night' and 'O Holy Night', then contrasts this with the reality of ongoing global conflicts in places like Sudan and Ukraine. Hunter questions whether humans can generate peace themselves or if they are doomed to fatalism. He references the 2024 'year of the election' with over 100 countries voting, but observes that elections often polarize rather than unify. The sermon introduces the Hebrew term 'shalom', explaining it as more than absence of conflict—it encompasses well-being, harmony, and right relationships with God, others, and creation. Hunter discusses Augustine's critique of the Pax Romana as enforced peace through violence, not true peace. He describes the stressful realities of Christmas, including family feuds and financial worries, and reimagines the nativity as a chaotic event with scandal and crowding. The sermon highlights biblical announcements of peace through figures like Mary, Zechariah, and angels, identifying Jesus as the Prince of Peace from Isaiah's prophecy. It examines how fixation on future control leads to anxiety, stealing peace, and suggests turning to Jesus to accept limitations. Hunter recounts Jesus's promises of peace to his disciples and Paul's teachings on God's peace. The conclusion emphasizes that peace is a gift received through the Holy Spirit, not earned, and calls for practical peacemaking through forgiveness and surrender. The episode ends with a prayer for peace to flood the earth, healing wounds and fostering love.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from St John's Hoxton