December 20, 2001

Dear Sir,

Prior to Tuesday September 11, 2001, when suicide bombers invaded the United States of American, I had accepted an invitation to be the guest preacher at Runnymede United Church, located in the west end of Toronto. As requested I had given the topic RESTORATION OF JOY for Sunday, September 16.

After seeing on television, the destructive impact of those wicked deeds, I faced a dilemma and I struggled with the topic I had chosen. I asked, "Is Restoration of Joy based on Luke's account of The Lost Sheep appropriate?" I felt led to stay with the topic, as there was the need for the Restoration of Joy.

The birth of Jesus Christ brought joy to the world. A text I have used often for words of assurance at funerals is "Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy cometh in the morning "Psalm 30:5. On September 11 joy was hushed around the world. Recently there has been harassment of Muslims. Recently I attended in California a conference for Muslims and Christians, and I was amazed to discover Muslims and Christians have more in common than I realised. Read Bill Baker's book, More in Common Than You Think: The Bridge Between Islam and Christianity. When intelligent dialogue takes place, there is no room for Bigotry, (extreme intolerance) Ethnocentrism, (unhealthy national superiority) Xenophobia, (hatred of foreigners) or any of the evil attitudes which infect human kind.

I long for the day when the prophetic ideal of Isaiah and Micah will be achieved, when human beings will "beat their swords into ploughshares, and nation shall not lift up swords against nation, or study the cruel arts of war any more" (Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3) I long for the day when people everywhere will yet learn that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, and our behaviour should be God like. The God-like person takes seriously the teaching of Jesus to love God first, and your neighbour as yourself. He also taught the difficult task of love for enemies, and do good to those who persecute us. Paul exhorts us "live peaceably with all never avenge yourselves for Vengeance is mine. I will repay says the Lord "(Romans 12:18-19).

In this Christmas season may we know that "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases (Lamentations 3:22). Our God does not abandon us or take flight when there is a problem. Jesus assures us "Lo I am with you always." (Matthew 28:2) Romans 8 especially verse 31-39 is one of the greatest of all Scriptures. Paul knew pain and persecution, but he also knew "If God be for us, who can be against us and that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

"Part of a seminar I attended in Rome recently, included a lecture in Assissi, Italy, given by the director of The Peace Institute. He gave a copy of the prayer for peace. Here is part of it.

"Lord make an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me show love, where there is injury pardon, where there is discord unity.

Let us give peace a chance. May the gifts of love, hope, joy and peace be our in abundance always."

THE REV. DR. CHARLES A. SWAN

Toronto, Canada