21 Gifts of AdventSample

The Gift of Peace  

We all remember where we were when we received life-changing news. Those memories are etched in our minds, and we never forget. Who is ever prepared to hear a cancer diagnosis, face terminal illness, receive a pink slip, hear news of a tsunami, watch devastating earthquakes and news full of terrorist attacks and senseless shootings? Devastation will meet our minds with shock every time.

Think about how many times we've heard "this isn't as scary as it looks" or “there’s nothing to be afraid of.” In those situations, our mind escalates to the worst possible scenarios, don’t they? The doctor says..."this is just a routine test, it's not the big ‘C’ or anything like that.” But then the doctor was wrong, and it was cancer.

Fears feed phobias. Did you know one of the most uncommon phobias is the fear of cheese? Here’s the longest phobia: Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. It is the longest word in the dictionary, and ironically is the fear of long words. (Now that’s scary!)

God's peace gives order. When our lives are sinking deep into a dark world of the unknowns, a life crisis that ushers in death, change, or simple blanks in the equation, the peace of God can erase those fears. As we come face to face with our own inadequacies, weaknesses, and mounting fears, we need only to remember these two words: Fear not! Angelic announcements come with comforting assurance first, so God's peace can flood our souls. Only Heavenly peace truly comforts us, and we can receive His peace ... even in the middle of chaos and confusion. 

God's peace always eradicates fear. Jesus used the words “Peace be with you” many times as he encouraged his disciples. So it’s befitting that Jesus was known as the Prince of Peace because He IS peace. What a gift peace is! 

Advent reflection: Don't let your heart be fearful. Experience the gift of God’s comforting peace by casting all your worries and cares into His capable hands. When you are caught off guard, know that you have the Good Shepherd lying prostrate at the gates of Heaven, breathing peace over your situation, He leaves us with a peace that passes our understanding. We can have peace on earth because the Prince of Peace is on watch!