The Peace
With gladness, God is praised in song, for the gift of grace brings joy. Appropriate musical responses include the Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest), Gloria Patri (Glory to the Father), and Worthy is Christ, the Lamb (Rev. 5, 7, 19).
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Luke 2:14
In sharing the peace of Christ, we express the reconciliation, unity, and love that come only from God, and we open ourselves to the power of God’s love to heal our brokenness and make us agents of that love in the world.
Since God has forgiven us in Christ,
let us forgive one another.
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Notes adapted from Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1 (WJKP, 1984).
Excerpt from Worshiping God Together: A Guide for Children and Their Parents:
Our peace comes from knowing how much God loves us in Jesus Christ. With God’s help, we try to love and forgive one another as Christ loves and forgives us. So when someone says, “The peace of Christ be with you,” we respond, “And also with you.”
Directory for Worship
The people give glory to God, and they may at this point share signs of reconciliation and the peace of Christ.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, W-3.3301e
Confession and Pardon | Prayer for Illumination
