Witness for Peace

Quakers are led by Divine guidance to cherish peace, and to testify against all wars and the use of violence.

Our Faith and Practice says: 

"Our peace testimony begins with opposition to war and is a positive affirmation of the power of good to overcome evil. ... We work to change those elements which violate our conviction that there is that of God in everyone."

By testimony we mean a call to bear witness, by our words and actions, to our ideals.

Agenda
1. Journal queries

2. Light a candle for Witness

3. Plan a Quaker Christmas celebration

4. A minute on the Conflict in Gaza

5. Set out more candles

1. Queries on Peace:

· Do I live in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all war? 
· Do I refrain from taking part in war as inconsistent with the Spirit of Christ? In what ways do I take part in war indirectly? 
· What am I doing to remove the causes of war and to bring about the conditions of peace? Where there is hatred, division, or strife, how am I an instruments of reconciliation and love? 
· Do I recognize that I am capable of both violence and peace? How do I build bridges that lead me to face and resolve conflict? · How do I communicate to others an understanding of the basis of our peace testimony? 
· As I work for peace in the world, how am I nourished by peace within myself, my family, and my meeting?

2. Light a candle for Witness:

For the first part of Soyal I am meditating and writing about each of my core values, and making plans for the coming year based on guidance from the Spirits. Today I am giving attention to Witness: To speak truth through my words and actions, and lead by example.

I was reminded by a Friend that our urge to testify comes from our experience of being propelled by God. When I am guided to witness I cannot ignore it; it feels like the only thing to do. But I need to take it slow and discern with others whether this is a true leading from God before I go out to spout off my mouth!

Once I'm clear, I need to find the ways to bear witness that are true to my Spirit: I write about it, I create art, I teach classes, and I speak up. I think that Witness might be a theme for my next year of life.

Today I light a golden candle for witness, and ask the Spirits to bring the rain of loving care down upon the whole world.

3. Plan a Quaker Christmas celebration:

Traditionally, Friends don't observe liturgical seasons and Christian holidays in the same way as other people. This principle grew out of a rejection of the excessive eating and drinking, and aggressive begging, that occurred in the 17th-century, and what early Friends saw as the hypocritical stance of celebrating Christmas one month a year, and then forgetting the message of Christmas for the other eleven.

Quakers stress the importance of serving God in everyday life - every day is a holy day, a day to be rejoiced and a day to celebrate the Spirit’s active role in our lives. We seek to live every day within the Spirit of Christmas - peacefully, joyfully, and with love. 

That said, I see no problem with my urge to settle in to the season the earth presents me with, and celebrate it, while also honoring my Quaker beliefs.

Today I look at my Christmas checklist, and evaluate it for congruence with my Quaker testimonies. What adjustments do I want to make this year?

How to Celebrate a Quaker Christmas:

Simplicity and Earthcare: Be moderate with decorating, shopping, eating, and drinking, and conscientious with habits that honor the earth. Excess isn't necessary for joy.

Peace: Be aware of the ways that commercialism feeds the war machine, and disengage as much as possible.

Integrity: As the excitement of the season grows, make sure my actions are in line with my beliefs.

Community: Find ways to be in brother/sisterhood with friends and neighbors.

Equality: Christmas is an important time to continue to work for justice, and to share my wealth.

Unity: Check in often with my family to see that we are unified.

4. A minute on the Conflict in Gaza:

Our hearts are heavy when we remember the suffering in the world. Last night I led a worship sharing to season a proposed minute for our community of Friends, and it is always a joy to see how we draw on Divine guidance to wind our way towards unity.

5. Set out more candles:

Because today is Luciadagen, and Lucia means light, and the theme is the return of the sun, this is the day that I always set up my angel chimes and other special candles.