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"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Rising Sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace" (Luke 1:76-79).

When we lived in New England in the 1990's we would periodically go into Boston for hospital visits in the course of our pastoral ministry. At other times we went in as though we were tourists as there is so much to see and experience in the beautiful city. Regardless of the reason for going we enjoyed taking a long walk. Boston is a very walkable city due to its compact size and layout. The famous Freedom Trail is a long walk that features many of the historic sites during our nation’s founding.

One of our favorite Boston places, although not on the Freedom Trail, is Copley Square, a busy commercialized area near the Hynes Convention Center where we attended conferences. Phillips Brooks was the pastor of Trinity Church on Copley Square in Boston from 1869 – 1891. This church is now overshadowed by the John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in New England. Here's the church on Google street view with the John Hancock Tower towering behind it which is  also very near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Our lead photo today is a statue located in front of the church which shows Phillips Brooks preaching. A replica of the Lord is standing behind him with His hand on Brooks' shoulder. It’s truly an inspiring sight! (If you look carefully on the Google street view you can see the statue.)

Phillips Brooks served the Lord Jesus Christ during his lifetime and the statement on the statue, “Preacher of The Word of God” is one of the highest commendations a minister can receive. As a side note one of the most famous members of his church while he served was Helen Keller who as a child attended Perkins Institute for the Blind in 1888 -1892. Of course she wasn't famous at that time! If you read her autobiography you will see Brooks' name mentioned often in her writing.

But today Phillips Brooks is best known as the author of a favorite Christmas Carol many of us will sing during this season, "O Little Town Of Bethlehem".

In 1865 Phillips Brooks traveled to the Holy Land and celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem. He was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills above it especially at night hence the lyrics of “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. In writing the song he considered the little town the very night Christ was born.

Peace is a major focus of the Christmas story and is reflected in a number of the great Christmas hymns including "O Little Town Of Bethlehem". But for this message let's just consider one line from the song found in the second verse, "and peace to men on earth".

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, it is our daily prayer, that You guide our feet into the path of peace, just as Zechariah prophesied over 2000 years ago. The world offers no lasting peace so we follow after Your Son, the Prince of Peace, who promises us peace within our hearts and a future peaceable kingdom for all eternity. But for here and now we are called to be peacemakers so that we can walk in harmony with those of like faith and guide others to the way of peace through Christ Jesus our Lord, the ultimate Peacemaker. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

* Luke 1:78 - Rising Sun is translated "Dayspring" in the KJV and NKJV