On the dark and overcast afternoon in October 2001 when the ships of Canada's navy set sail for Afghanistan, I stood overlooking Halifax harbour. As the ships slipped out of sight on the horizon, a few small groups of people stood on the shore, huddled together, comforting each other in silence. A few stray and solitary individuals sat on the grass, heads bowed, absorbed in themselves, undoubtedly in thought, perhaps in prayer.

Those serving in our armed forces and their families know that travel, danger, and separation "come with the territory". Nevertheless, the prospect of prolonged separation in the face of an international conflict of undefined scope and uncertain outcome means that those personally involved face significant challenges to the peace, order, and stability of their lives and those of their families.

With the elevation of hostilities and the change in international focus from Afghanistan to Iraq, the news that fills radio and television broadcasts as well as our papers is largely news of war.

Public opinion in Canada has been much divided over the wisdom of the United States and the United Kingdom in invading Iraq. Regardless of the convictions of political leaders or individual citizens, all Canadians, including confessing Christians, are confronted with the reality that our two nearest and closest allies are now waging war together against Iraq, and it is far from certain as to what the extent of the conflict or its consequences will be.

As those whose first allegiance is to Christ the King of Kings who is also Christ the Prince of Peace, Christians are confronted with many challenges in trying to come to terms with the events unfolding around us. What can we do amid the uncertainties?

The author of Psalm 120 lamented the onslaught of war which had enveloped all around him. "Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war." (verses 5-7)

Reading and reflecting on the psalms helps us to resist the temptation to take the world's problems onto our own shoulders. Yes, the events are serious. The war has affected and will affect us. We are deeply distressed by the images of smoke and fire, of bodies and prisoners, of homeless refugees plucking among the ruins and children suffering a lack of food and water. Yet God too is distressed, for they are his creatures, and ultimately He must and He will intervene for the deliverance and salvation of His own. The lament of Psalm 120 is followed by the song of faith in Psalm 121: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (verses 1-2)

The psalmist also helps us realise that one of the first causalities of war is truth. All that is broadcast through the news media is not necessarily true. The context for interpreting what is being reported is not always clear. The psalmist in Psalm 120 is wilting under a barrage of voices which confuse and confound. "Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues." (verse 2) Christians are assured that God knows the truth, even if it is disguised or hidden. Our confidence must be in God's perfect knowledge. His judgements, which will be made in the full light of all the facts, are the only ones which really matter.

Understanding Psalm 120 in its context also helps us to remember our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq and elsewhere who are caught in the midst of events not of their own making, and to pray with them for a speedy end to hostilities. What often sustained the scattered Hebrew tribes and families in days of Old Testament history was the encouragement drawn from the thrice-annual festivals which brought them together in Jerusalem. Christians draw our strength from the spirit of Christ living in us. That strength is multiplied as we draw strength from one another, together seeking to represent Jesus -- in whom our faith rests and by whom the peace and shalom of our souls is guaranteed.

At the meeting of the Presbytery of Ottawa held at St. Timothy's Church last week, a young soldier, walking through the neighbourhood wandered past the church door. Finding it open, he came in, glad of a sanctuary for prayer, as he pondered his posting to Afghanistan. Amid our business, the moderator took time to lead in prayer for him and many others facing the present and future challenges of war.

The clouds of war do darken the skies of spring. The light of Christ, though, still shines in the darkness. He will see us through. In the light of His presence and in the strength of His peace, let us come alongside those who are apprehensive of the future, and invite them to join us in serving the Prince of Peace in an age of war.

In Christ,

Your pastor,

James T. Hurd.