PEACE | Second Sunday of Advent

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In the quiet, simple routines of our ordinary daily lives – things like taking a moment for Advent. OR things like: washing dishes, caring for an elderly parent, or playing with a child – the peace of Christ is near to us, and we can learn to be attentive to it, just like we can pay attention to small flames of these advent candle in a dark room. Jesus assures us along with the early church that 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 let them be afraid. Advent reminds us that the peace of Christ is a grace that brings peace in ways we can’t understand, to situations that feel impossible. The peace of Christ is not childish, and it does not deny the reality that surrounds us that’s filled with unrest. Actually, Advent reminds us that Christian peace is brought into a hostile world through the birth of a baby…. Tender and vulnerable… fragile and meek. The peace of Christ is supernatural. It is a gift from God. As we consider the light of our second Advent candle, remember that the peace that calms our fears and fills our hearts with tranquility comes from Christ alone In what ways are you lacking peace today? (pause) from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

In the light of the candles, pray to find the courage to be a person of peace in a world that desperately needs it. Now may the Lord of peace himself give us peace, at all times, in every way. The Lord be with us all. Amen