Advent A Liturgical Celebration Leads to Greater Love Week Two: Peace

Please join me for reflections on PEACE, Advent’s second-week focus.

Week Two of Advent Symbolizes PEACE:

As I ponder familiar portions of the scriptures used in today’s post, I’m reminded of what Rich Villodas said, “Only the affirming word of God fills my heart.”

Truly, I feel PEACE trickling into my heart as I meditate once again on these words concerning PEACE.

Hundreds of years prior to the birth of Jesus, Isaiah, penned prophetic words about the promised Messiah:

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

More than 250,000 nights later a band of angels announced the birth of that Messiah—a baby named Jesus—to a group of shepherds, declaring:

“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth PEACE among those with whom he is pleased!”  (Luke 2:14 ESV)

Thirty-three years later the promise of PEACE, who came as a babe born in a lowly manger, would die a violent death on a wooden cross. 

Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus spoke with his disciples whom he loved and who loved him. Jesus warned them about difficult days. They would suffer horribly—perhaps to the point of martyrdom—because of their alignment with him. Despite his dire warning, he assured them,

PEACE I leave with you; my PEACE I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

Without a doubt, the world in which we live cries out for PEACE. This second week of Advent, I desire more and more of the character of Jesus so that I can with greater accuracy reflect his PEACE in the corner of the world in which I’ve been placed.

Blessings for a week filled with PEACE,

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