We usually think of independence struggles as being long and bloody. Our American Revolution and many other wars of independence of other countries are such examples. However, Finland which celebrating its 104th year of independence today had a slightly different history.
Taking advantage of the turmoil in Russia following its own revolution and after some internal negotiations, the Finnish Parliament declared independence on December 6, 1917. What was amazing, of course, was that the new Bolshevik government acceded because it claimed to support national self-determination.
Although the initial peaceful declaration led to a civil war, the end result was a country committed to peaceful resolution of international disputes and accepting refugees from all over the world. The words of its national anthem do not extol battle but the beauty of the northland. To our Finnish friends, we say, Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää!
Prayer for the Day
Called to bring peace to the world in this day and at this time,
We are often unsure what that call demands;
Called to walk in the light, we often walk in darkness
Caught between our fears from the past and our hopes for the future;
Help us, O Holy One, to see the world with a new vision,
As did the blind man whose eyes were opened.
May we always be faithful to your vision, as was the One we follow
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Peacemaking can never be separated from doing justice. They go hand in hand. Peacemaking means having to stir the waters on the way to peace.
Peggy Haynes, from Strugglers, stragglers, and Seekers
Odd how we focus on studying wars at school to form our 'education'. No wonder we know so little about making and forging peace as adults.
Rashid Ogunlaru, motivational speaker, musician
Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord and delight in God’s law.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land, generations of the upright are blessed,
Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness stands forever.
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, gracious, merciful, and just. Psalm 112: 1-4