Embracing Peace in This Advent Season
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Week two of Advent brings the focus on peace. If you are lighting Advent candles, you will light the purple Bethlehem candle. It signifies peace, preparation, and the journey Mary and Joseph made into Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.
Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I equated the greeting of “peace” with hippies who… well… were a little different form me. I didn’t really understand their culture. I saw many carry signs that said “peace” yet, in anger, hurl items and shout obscenities at returning veterans and POWs.
As an adult, I understand the outrage at a seemingly senseless war and wasting the lives of so many of our young men and women. However, I also grasp reality that peace does not come from angry rioting, chanting obscenities, casting stones, or burning the proverbial town.
Peace isn’t neccissarily a quiet snowy night or a perfect day at the beach (but that may put a smile on your face). Peace is something that dwells deep in our souls and is revealed in our words, attitudes, and actions.
Peace comes from surrendering our anxious thought to the One who can give us a peace that passes all understanding.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Peace is not an absence of trouble. It is not a world without war, though that sure would be nice. We can have peace in the midst of trouble. There can be peace even when wars are raging.
I have heard it said, there are three kinds of peace: internal peace, peace with others, and peace with God. Usually our ‘inner peace’ is more abundant if we have peace with God and peace with others.
We can have peace with God when we have an unencumbered relationship with Him. That means seeking His will through prayer and His Word. It means keeping short accounts and asking for forgiveness when we have intentionally or inadvertently sinned. We have peace with Him when we are surrendered to Him.
Scripture tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 I love that Paul includes the first part of this verse, “if it is possible.” When we hear this verse, how many of us immediately think of that one person who, no matter what we do, refuses to be at peace?
Sometimes it is a ‘me’ problem, and we need to give or ask for forgiveness and seek restoration. Other times that restoration and peace evades a relationship because of the unwillingness of the other party. That is a ‘you’ or a ‘them’ problem. We cannot change a person. We cannot force restoration or peace on anyone. We can, however, pray for that person to experience the Prince of Peace and all He has to offer.
This time of year, we hear about peace, sing about peace, and desire peace on earth. But even driving to the corner market makes it evident that our world is lacking in the truth about peace on earth. It is easy to respond in frustration or anger rather than with grace to that speeding car that cuts us off or the hurting one who acts out of their hurt. But it is so much more rewarding to have victory over that angst.
If there is to be peace on earth, it must begin in my heart, and like the oxygen in crisp mountain air, seep into the hearts of those who so desperately need to know the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
When my children were little, we would drive around looking at Christmas lights and count all the Nativity scenes, each one reminding of the gift we were given when Jesus, so many years ago, came to earth, fully God, fully human.
Throughout this season of Advent, we are given so many reminders that Jesus, Emmanuel, God is with us. What can you ‘set’ as your reminder to invite His peace to reign in your heart and mind?
I encourage you to ask God to fill you with the peace only He can give today.
Share the gift of peace with everyone you encounter.
As you hear Christmas carols playing, listen for the message of peace and be reminded that He is the Prince of Peace and let Him be the ruler of your heart.
My Grandmother’s favorite Christmas carol was “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
You can listen here to a newer arrangement of this classic by Casting Crowns.
My Prayer for you today is this:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
