One World One Dream

One World One Dream is the theme selected by China, the host nation of the XXIX Olympics. As I watched the opening ceremonies last night, I was awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the celebration. The Chinese spared no effort, and seemingly no cost, in welcoming the world to Beijing.

At one point, 2,008 drummers were pounding the fou, an ancient Chinese percussion instrument, and as they were doing so, they chanted, “Friends have come from afar, how happy we are,” a phrase from the works of Confucius (551BC-479BC). Shortly after this, hundreds of men in boxes bobbed up and down creating various designs and waves. Several times during this performance they also formed the Chinese character “he,” which means both harmony and peace.

As I watched the “parade of nations” I was thinking about the theme of the Summer Olympics. About two hundred-four nations were represented, none led by the “head of state” or other politicians, but rather by athletes from their respective countries.

We live in a world that is divided in so many ways. The cry for harmony and peace can be heard from so many areas of the world, yet, the very thing that divides—the very thing that hinders harmony and peace—is the only thing that can possibly bring harmony and peace. Jesus commanded that His church “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

So many people around the world are in need of the peace that comes only through Jesus Christ. Let’s join together in praying for the nations of the world and for those Christians who are working so hard to share the love of our Savior—the Prince of Peace!