Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

How do we find peace during Advent?

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!" - Luke 2:14, CSB

As I was preparing an outline for this years Advent posts, under the title for each post I would add a question to each. And for this Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent when we light the candle of Peace, I added the question "How do we find peace during Advent?". 

There is so much hurt in this world, that peace seems unattainable. My wife has her own personal ministry on Reddit, where she spends time providing answers to those who are desperately without peace in their lives. She shares with me some of the posts: teens struggling with low or non-existent self-esteem; people in the depths of despair who are contemplating ending their own lives; young Christians who are fearful of God because of incorrect teaching or interpretation of scripture. Where is peace in all of that? 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27, RSV. This peace is not of the world: this is an inner peace. This is the peace that comes from having a relationship with the peace giver, Christ himself. This is a peace that we are to accept as a gift, just like the gift of grace. This is a peace that starts small within us, and if we let it grow, it springs forth from us, warming those around us as a cozy fire warms our toes after a walk in the snow. This peace is meant to be personal and shared. 

So, how do we find that peace during Advent? 

We need to start with us. In my own personal experience, peace has come from me making time for God each day. From that it's snowballed into a love for others, and being open to changes that God may bring in my life. Peace begins when we stop being self-focused, and focus on God. And when we find that peace that comes from a deep relationship with God, we need to share it with others, just as my wife shares with those that she interacts with on Reddit. Frequently, they respond to her, sharing that her message brought them a sense peace into the noise and confusion of their lives. 

The Peace of Advent - that's us. It is the peace that we accept from God, and give freely to those whose lives we touch. May the Peace of Advent fill your heart, mind and soul. 

Follow John's Advent journey here on his blog, johnscoffeehouse.blogspot.com, or on Facebook, johnscoffeehouse.