Prince of Peace

Kelli Baker

Advent Series 2023

Day Twenty-Five

What storm in your life do you need to have calmed? As I write this very topic, my children sit alongside me. The school day was cut short because of another hurricane that bounded toward us. The threat of severe damage does not directly affect us, thankfully, but I am reminded of those who live in the direct path of the storm's destruction.

Sometimes life can feel as though we are living in the direct path of the storm. When storms like a hurricane, a blizzard, or a tornado plow through cities, the towns are left devastated and people left to pick up the pieces. However, if you know anything about storms, right in the middle of the storm is called the eye. The eye of the storm is the most peaceful place to be. They are marked by sunny skies and no winds. Meanwhile, looming around the corner are gusts of damaging winds that threaten to destroy anything along its path.

Deployments come where you must leave your family to serve abroad for your country. Unexpected PCS’s rip us from the established community we’ve been planted in. Unfavorable paperwork leaves us feeling hopeless for a promotion. A medical diagnosis that may threaten your career.

Regardless of where we find ourselves in the storm, Jesus promises to give us peace like that found in the eye. As Jesus told his disciples “Peace I leave with you” just before he was crucified, he promises to give you peace in your circumstance as well.

When everything around you seems to be swirling around, stop and look to Jesus. Christmas time brings about many activities, but let’s not forget what it is all about. You have to intentionally stop what you’re doing, put the phone down, turn off your notifications, even if only for a few minutes, and look to Jesus. Call out to him and plead for him. “Jesus, I need you.” Allow him to fill you the peace that only he provides.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the peace that Jesus promises to leave with us. Remind us to stop and look to Jesus to find the peace we so desperately need. Amen.