PEACE

“Rejoice for the Lord is near.” That was not only for those days before Christ's birth; it was for all time. It is for us today. He is near us. Blessed are we when we feel it palpably, but even when we don't, He is. He is skin deep; he rides on every pump of our blood. His presence brings us peace – it did in our past, it does in our present, it will in our future.

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns

Let all their songs employ!

Our Savior does indeed reign! Because of that, we each have a song we can employ – a song of his faithfulness, a song of a peace that’s settled deep within us as he’s made himself known to us in our darkest hours. He says, “I am here. I am with you always.” That enables us to be a single ray of the light he brought to Bethlehem that still shines today. In this Advent season, may we shine that light, signifying his peaceful reign – in our hearts now and in his kingdom on earth soon.

The second candle on the Advent wreath represents Peace. Like the first candle, it is also purple. Often called the “Bethlehem Candle,” the second Advent candle reminds us of building on the meaning of the Prophecy Candle. This second candle recalls that after all of the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth – Jesus is coming, and so is his Kingdom of Peace. As we read in the quote from Pope Francis, this light of peace shone forth from Bethlehem for all the world.

How do we stay focused on Jesus this season? Counter to our culture’s message, retain your focus on Christ by simplifying. Loretta Ross-Gotta, an American author and chaplain, suggests that with all the intensity and strain that many of us bring to Christmas, it may indicate to onlookers that we have yet to get the point of it. Perhaps she's right. Instead of doing something, be something this Christmas. Be a quiet center of peace, a dwelling for God.

Prayer: “Merciful God, who sent your messengers, the prophets, to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” (From The Book of Common Prayer)