Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in the nation of Judah.
But the LORD will choose one of your people to rule the nation
Someone whose family goes back to ancient times.
Like a shepherd taking care of his sheep,
This ruler will lead and care for his people
By the power and the glorious name of the LORD his God.
His people will live securely, and the whole earth will know his true greatness,
Because he will bring peace.
Micah 5: 2, 4-5a
Reflect on the word PARTNERSHIP for a few moments.
Across the world people march for peace, pray for peace, campaign for peace.
We invite warring parties to round-table conferences for peace.
World leaders jet across continents in missions for peace.
There is a yearning for peace among the people of the world.
But can there ever be peace, if justice is not established? Can there ever be justice without equality and freedom? Can there ever be peace unless we become partners with God in making peace happen?
Being a partner for peace confronts us with the cost of risk. It challenges us to be active participants in the struggle for justice, in the restoration of dignity and truth. It is a powerful force for reconciliation and renewal.
God’s peace can be achieved when we recognize our call to work in partnership with God, to heal creation.
As I prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace, may I walk in the security of God’s promise for peace.
© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera
For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.
When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.
The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.