This past Sunday we began our advent season by talking about hope. To be more specific, allowing ourselves to be hopeful and reach out to Christ even when it seems we are at the bottom of the well. Hope keeps us moving forward and give us a reason to go on.
This coming Sunday we are going to light the second candle of advent and that is the candle of Peace. The peace that Christ brought into the world. To be honest, that sounds a little strange. We watch the news, listen on the radio, and look at social media and the last thing we may think about is the word peace. True, if we think about peace as everyone getting along and no fussing or fighting, can we actually say there is peace anywhere? I am sure there are some places that are more peaceful than other places. But really, there are things wherever we are that cause stress and anxiety. It has been taking place since the world was created and it will take place until we are no longer living on this place called earth. That is just the way life is.
God knew what the world would be like for you and me. He knew that there would be fighting and anxiety. As a matter of fact, if you want to see the anxiety Jesus knew would be a part of the world just read Matthew 24. Jesus talked about wars, nations fighting, people being confused about what is right and what is wrong, and even people saying that they are Christ. Talk about knowing what was going to cause anxiety. I even think God knew that there would be a pandemic and how bad it would be and how hard it would be for people to see loved ones and friends. He even knows how painful it is to see loved ones die because of the situation of the world today. So, do we see peace in the world? No. Can we have peace in spite of the world? Sure. That is why God sent His son Jesus. He sent Him so we might experience peace.
It is the same peace Jesus spoke about when talking with His disciples. We will talk about this on Sunday. Until then, I encourage you to take a deep breath. I encourage you to sit back and close your eyes, just for a few minutes and experience peace and stillness. I know you are busy. You probably don’t feel as if you have time to close your eyes and just experience stillness and peace. I think we have to do this. We have to find some way to be still and know that God is in control of what is taking place around us. If we remember He is, it will help us have peace within us. It won’t necessarily stop what is taking place around us, but it will help us get through it. Peace. What a nice feeling. Until next week…
Peace and Blessings…
Johnny
