Do you desire peace in your place of work or in your family? Today we hear that Jesus is coming to bring us deep peace. It is a peace that allows people to "live in harmony with one another" (Rom. 15:5). Instead of struggling in conflict as predator and prey, "the wolf shall live with the lamb" (Is.11:6). Only Jesus, the Prince of Peace, can bring about such harmony.

Amazingly, Jesus invites us to work with him to usher his peace into the world. How? John the Baptist calls us to repent.

The Greek word for repentance is metanoia. It involves letting go of something that draws us away from God, such as a behaviour that is self-centred or in some way sinful. More positively, repentance involves turning toward God in daily life, for example, by serving others, forgiving someone or reflecting upon Scripture.

Each time we repent, even with some small action, we work together with Jesus. Repentance has fruits. Our world becomes more like the world described by Isaiah where there is authentic peace for family, friends, co-workers and others around the world.