Click here to read this column in Korean.
As soon as we finished our Christmas celebration, we were, once again, bombarded with the news of wars – towns ruined, innocent civilians killed and children injured. Although peace has been on our most wanted list since the beginning of humanity, it seems almost impossible to have it come true in our own generation. War once again steps into our reality with such force that it mocks us and totally defies our efforts for peace. It is so frustrating to witness tragedy sweeping the region with such horrifying brutality and insensitivity that it angers us.
Full scale war broke out between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza strip of Palestine right after Christmas Day. Several thousand rockets were fired by Hamas into Israeli territory before full scale war started. People within the rocket range lived in such constant fear and agony that running for safety became a routine. Israel proclaimed “the right to defend the state of Israel and its people” as they started military action, and Palestinian Hamas claimed “the right to reside in their own land” as they continued to fire rockets over the border.
It is a 'Chicken and Egg' argument. Which one was first? Each side argues that the other party caused the problem. They blame each other as the reason for war, hatred and anger planted in people's hearts over the generations. They have used every resource available to force the other to give up their claims. At times military actions have left many victims on the path. At other times suicide bombs were deployed leaving permanent and irrevocable damages on the human conscience and its dignity. So whose fault is it? The situation is so complicated that even King Solomon wouldn't be able to announce a clear verdict. But one thing is clear: War will not solve the problem. It only worsens the situation. Each missile dropped, each rocket ignited, each bullet fired will be imbedded in people's hearts. There are seeds of hatred and animosity planted in future generations. They may silence people on either side now, but only temporarily. It brews a bigger problem under the surface.
Canadian Christians demand an immediate ceasefire and that both sides come to the negotiation table. Stop shooting, and start talking. Only talking and listening will bring the solution to the situation. Listen to each other with patience. Try to be in each other's shoes and understand their frustrations.
The word 'peace' literally means when everything stays where it is supposed to be. So there is perfect harmony and balance. In Korean (and also in Chinese) peace is 
(pyung-hwa). It means the state when everything/everyone is harmoniously balanced. So as we pursue peace, we pursue fairness and justice. We believe that peace is made when justice is served. We argue that peace is not possible until everyone is properly compensated. So we chant, “Tooth for a tooth, eye for an eye.”
Yet peace in the beginning was far from what we believe it should be now. Peace that God made with us through Jesus Christ was totally unfair and terribly unbalanced. Peace was made, not because God got even with us, but because he gave his only son Jesus Christ. Peace was made, not when we were balanced with God, but when Jesus Christ who was equal to God lowered himself and became one of us. Yes, indeed peace was made when our Lord Jesus sacrificed himself for us all, when he gave everything he had for us. Peace will be made today if we sacrifice, and put ourselves before others.
Why is peace so hard to hold? Peace will never be made as long as we pursue perfect balance with others. Peace is made where the cross is upheld instead of our pride and honor. Peace is once again our prayer topic this year.
Lord, use us as the instruments of peace!
