"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
   and the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
and the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
   and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed;    their young shall lie down together;
   and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp,
   and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den."

(Isaiah 11:6-8) 

Isaiah 11:1-10

Let’s be honest. These images of peace that Isaiah offers are impossible. They seem to come from a children’s show. It is almost comedic to imagine a little child leading a flock of lions, calves, wolves and lambs.

Sometimes peace seems impossible. Think of those friends and family members with whom you are not on good terms. Think of tensions in our societies, between conservatives and progressives, between people on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Think of international conflicts currently ongoing. It can feel like these are impossible to resolve.

I think that Isaiah has intentionally offered us images of impossible peace. He is inviting us to stretch our imaginations. God can see peace even in the spaces where we deem it to be impossible. Can we see beyond our own tensions, discomforts, and hurts and imagine how God's peace might look in our lives and our world?

Use your imagination today. Imagine the images of impossible peace from today's passage, wolves dwelling with lambs and children playing with snakes. Imagine peace in your family, community, parish, and workplace. Imagine the world at peace. Talk to God about this experience and how it makes you feel.

Loving Father,

We thank you and praise you for the life, freshness and rest you grant us. 

Be with us this Advent as we patiently try to become more aware of your presence in our lives.

Amen