Advent Week #2: PEACE
Dear church,
In the Gospel of John, Jesus assures his disciples with words that resonate through the ages, saying,
"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." ~ John 14:27 NLT
As Caylee reminded us on Sunday, Jesus introduces a different kind of peace, one that transcends circumstances and offers solace in the midst of life's storms. As we move through the season of Advent, the second candle on the wreath lights up with the theme of peace. In this busy and chaotic world, trying to find peace seems like chasing a dream that will never come true – especially during Christmas! But as we look deeper into what peace really means this time of year, we find that it's not just the lack of trouble, but a deep sense of calm certainty that comes from trusting God.
To fully understand how deep this peace goes, let's go back to the Old Testament to a time when the whole world was in chaos. Genesis tells the story of Noah, who found peace amid the flood by trusting God's word over and over again. As the storm got worse, God's promise to Noah became a sign of hope, and even though the whole world was in chaos, peace prevailed. It didn’t happen quickly, but Noah’s trust in God through all circumstances bore fruit. In our own lives, God's peace is a safe place to be during storms. This is a promise that still holds true and firm today. As we light the peace candle this Advent, let's ponder the peace the shepherds experienced on that holy night in Bethlehem.
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." ~ Luke 2:14 NLT
The birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brought an angelic proclamation of peace, ushering in the specific promise that we could find reconciliation with God and harmony with one another. Let’s consider the life of David, a shepherd who became a king, and whose psalms are laden with expressions of peace amid trials. In Psalm 23, David paints a vivid picture of God as our shepherd, guiding us beside peaceful streams:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength." ~ Psalm 23:1-3 NLT
David's words remind us that peace is not found in the absence of challenges but in the presence of our Shepherd, who leads us to tranquil places of rest and renewal. This time of year can be difficult for many. It’s busy. It’s chaotic. It’s full of appointments, parties, dinners, and get-togethers. And for many of us, it’s filled with grief and moments of difficulty as we remember Christmases of years gone by. Peace seems elusive under these circumstances. Yet, as we navigate the chaos of the holiday season, peace becomes a precious gift. It's the quiet assurance that, despite the mayhem of crowded malls, endless to-do lists, and memories of those who have passed away, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. When our minds are cluttered with worries and anxieties, the peace that surpasses all understanding becomes a guiding light, grounding us in the serenity of God's love.
Take a moment and reflect on the imagery of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4. Picture the disciples, terrified as the waves crashed around them, and then, with a mere word, Jesus brings stillness to the chaos. This miraculous act extends beyond the physical realm; it symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings to the chaos in our own lives. When our circumstances seem overwhelming, His reassuring voice echoes, "Peace, be still," inviting us to trust in His calming presence.
As we think of the peace candle, let it be a visual reminder of the peace that comes from entrusting our worries, cares, and anxiety to God. May the peace of Christ, the Prince of Peace, be a guiding force, leading us through to the peace found in Him.
I love you, church.
~ Daniel
PS – next week we will unpack the third advent candle’s theme, JOY.
