The title above is the theme of an international painting competition organised by ‘Mayors for Peace’, a worldwide group of local body leaders representing cities and regions around the world. It’s open to young artists aged from six years to 15 years old, within specific age groups and guidelines. Over 30 New Zealand district council and city mayors are a part of this international fraternity.
Murray Smith
As a theme, ‘peace’ could be expressed in various ways. This painting competition encourages young artists to creatively express their vision of peace with the hope that they will provide messages that ‘promote peace’ through art… an admirable though elusive goal in a woefully conflicted world, where hostilities exude anything but peace.
Notably, the conflict between Gaza and Israel has drawn the eyes of the world to this strategic region – a tiny stretch of land, collectively about the same size in area, as from Warkworth to Cape Reinga. It’s significant spiritually, that this embattled piece of earth has continually captured worldwide media attention, creating complexities for successive governments of nations throughout the world, since 1948 when the State of Israel was officially established. But well before that, a parade of Israel’s history of conflicts, wars, persecution, conquest and exiles followed by repatriation, stretches back throughout centuries – well before the coming of Christ. The current battle with Hamas and its cohorts constitutes the latest entries in a long ledger written in blood and tears.
What will it take for the human family to be at peace with one another? Applying this more specifically, what will it take to bring peace between conflicted nations, racial divides or ‘domestic’ peace within individual nations (New Zealand included), where fractious and hate-filled divisions exist – or closer to home, how can peace be found for broken families enduring splits and ruptured relationships?
It’s important to note the proclamation that accompanied the announcement of Jesus’ birth. Following a millennia of prophetic declarations promising a Messiah who would inaugurate a heavenly reign, bursts forth an angelic proclamation of “good news and great joy for all people…” That message went further, claiming that Christ’s coming ushered in the prospect of, “Peace on earth, goodwill among people.” (Luke 2:9-14).
So what’s gone wrong? Where’s the ‘heavenly reign’ and peace that Jesus’ coming announced? The answer lies in this fact – first and foremost He came primarily to reconcile humanity to relationship with God. That’s the essential start point since hope of peaceful harmony and benevolence among mankind, begins with individual reconciliation to God, resulting in inner transformation and healed hearts. He called that being ‘born again.’ One of Jesus’ titles is ‘Prince of Peace’ and truly sustainable peace between people, can only be brokered through His mediation.
Jesus foretold signs that would indicate the ‘end of the age’ as we know it – an exponential increase in wars, famine, pestilences and natural disasters. Yet He promised His followers peace that transcends the world’s darkness. His promises hold good… “Peace on earth, goodwill among people”. More than a chirpy message on Christmas cards, it’s an irrevocable promise that a day is coming when Christ Himself, the Messiah will establish His rule and order upon the earth.
Jesus on the Cross. Photo: Alem Sanchez, pexels.com
