Here in this third week of Advent we ponder the liturgical theme of joy. But, is it possible to experience joy when so many in our nation and around the globe are suffering from injustice? If not, why? If so, where can joy be found in spite of the situation we find ourselves in? These are the questions we will seek to answer in this episode of Just Disciples.

In our last episode we talked about transformational love and love is the path Jesus – the Prince of Peace – invites us to follow. If we are true disciples of Jesus we are called to be peacemakers just as he was and it’s peace that is the topic of this second episode in our Advent series. In these chaotic times it might be easy for us to become apathetic about the perpetual injustice that plagues our world, but, Jesus calls us to be agents of a better way, the way of peace where we see everyone as beloved children of God. But peace isn’t passive. Jesus modeled a peace that confronted injustice and inequity in individuals and empire alike. Do we accept the invitation to be peacemakers in a time such as this?

This is the first episode in our Advent series and it deals with the topic of transformational love. Love is one of the four liturgical themes of Advent, but, it is typically reserved for the final week of the season. However, we have chosen to begin this series with it because it is the cornerstone on which a just society is built. After all, isn't justice really about applying the principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves in real and tangible ways?