Peace is defined as 1) a state of tranquility or quiet: such as freedom from civil
disturbance or freedom from being disturbed or bothered by people, noise, etc.
It is also defined as 2) freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or
3) emotions and harmony in personal relations.
– Websters Dictionary
I have always felt peace is a difficult concept to grasp when fear and worry, anxiety and chaos are so handy. It is much easier to fret over something than to trust that God is in the midst of the storm. For me, anxiety is often the norm in almost all areas of life –peace would be so much better, yet it often feels so unattainable.
When we are in that fretful state we are in good company. Those who knew Jesus best, traveled with him, lived with him, broke bread with him, heard his teachings firsthand for three years didn’t get it either. They, too, never quite grasped everything the first time, or the second or the third, or even the hundredth time.
I love Jesus words to his disciples as he was preparing them for the chaos that lay ahead. As he explained to them what was to take place in his final days and weeks, he offered these words of peace…
“I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” (John 14:27, The Message)
That is peace, more than just a word or even a feeling, it is the overwhelming reassurance that when the storms rage – because they will – we are not left alone, we are not abandoned, we don’t have to ride the storm in isolation… Jesus is with us…and when we remember that we allow peace to overwhelm us.
Longing for Peace – to be peaceful…is to hold on to a peace that passes all understanding. Peace is a calmness…that overwhelms us when the world around us is chaos. Peace, true peace, comes when we trust in the One who is unshakable, the One who has conquered the world.
Peace in Advent is a pause. (Big breath in…slowly let it out. Repeat.) Don’t let your to-do list rob you of your peace. Don’t let chaos win. Peace in Advent is letting the calm of Christ wash over you.
A prayer for us today: Lord, as we continue to draw nearer to the manger this season of Advent may we be filled with the wonder of Advent and all that it holds. May we seek peace when the storms rage around us. May we be covered with Your peace as we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child. May we radiate peace throughout this season and into the year ahead. May we abide in peace and hope with every breath we breathe. Amen.
Advent Blessings,
Pastor Jenni
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27