In the quiet of this early Sunday morning, the PEACE of the second week of Advent seems to soothe my soul. When thinking of the chaotic world we live in, it is hard to feel that PEACE. I am worried, stressed, and hurting. Right this minute, though, I am comforted. I can feel a blanket of PEACE over me, perhaps from the reading of Edwin Markham’s words this morning…
At the heart of the cyclone tearing the sky
And flinging the clouds and towers by,
Is a place of central calm;
So here in the roar of mortal things,
I have a place where my spirit sings,
In the hollow of God’s palm.
December 9th is drawing in, but the entire month shouldn’t be cause for loss of everything that is good about this month. Yesterday we celebrated Amy’s 17th birthday with my grandparents and Megan’s fun and loving spirit, as she performed with the Penguin Players at NIU. On December 10th, Jeff and I will celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary. The spirit of Christmas and the hope of the new year is coming. December shouldn’t be tossed aside. I need to quit wishing for it all to be over. Perhaps I won’t find any worldly peace on December 9th, but I am praying for the strength to do my best on every other day this month.
Worldly peace or absence of conflict may seem impossible. For this second week of Advent, I am going to focus on Christ’s PEACE. This PEACE is the confident assurance in any circumstance. It is the PEACE that God has moved into my heart. Philippians 4:6-7 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
For this second week of Advent, as I approach the hardest day of the year, I will focus on the PEACE that I have in my heart. God’s PEACE offers comfort in a place of conflict. Whatever your religious beliefs, look for the PEACE inside you this week. If more of the world focused on PEACE, think of the changes that would occur!
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~John 14:27
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