# Advent 2009 – Longing for Unity and Peace
*2009-12-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the Advent desire for unity and peace, praying to Mary and exploring how living by Christ’s teachings can shape our families and communities.

## Opening Prayer to Mary

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the fourth week of Advent. I begin with a prayer to Our Lady:

Hail, blessed Mother, and thank you for the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the pure Virgin in Bethlehem. Come, O God, hear my prayer; grant my desires through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and bless us.

## The Human Longing for Unity and Peace

The longing for a king, queen, or leader who will set things right is as old as humanity itself. Everyone yearns for peace, enough food, a safe home, education for children, meaningful work, and hope for the future. Too often we think that a single nation or community can achieve this prosperity at the expense of others. That path leads only to loss.

What we truly desire is a ruler who brings genuine unity and peace for all. We believe that Jesus is that King, but He is a servant King. His crown is a crown of thorns, not gold. His kingdom is built on the cross, not on earthly power.

## Living the Servant King’s Way

What would happen if we took Jesus at His word? If we embraced His teachings and tried to live by them in every circumstance, how would our families and communities change? Imagine ordering our “family of faith” according to the Gospel, seeking to serve rather than dominate.

## Advent Activity for Families

Today's activity: Write the number 16 on a card—six letters, first symbol—and let your children decorate it. The traditional symbol is a king’s crown. Place the card somewhere visible in your home as a reminder of Christ’s reign.

## Closing Advent Prayer

O Come, Lord Jesus, and fill the hearts of all humanity with kindness. May our sad visions cease, and may we become instruments of peace. Rejoice, Emmanuel, who comes to meet us in the future.

As you were born in our world on Christmas Day, we pray: be born in us, be born in our families today. Amen.

*When we follow the servant King, our longing for unity and peace finds its true fulfillment.*