Finding Peace during the Advent Season

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 KJV

On the Second Sunday of Advent, churches around the world usually light the Advent Candle of Peace. However, this year, the candle of peace remains unlit because the lights in Bethlehem remain unlit in memory of those killed in the current conflict in the Holy Land.
 
We long for peace, but it often feels so far off. Peace can be so elusive because it has so much to do with the state of our hearts. Everything around us this time of year is merry and bright, but our hearts are often breaking inside. I asked some friends what brings them peace and if this time of year is typically peaceful or not, and I received such interesting answers. For most people, this time of year brings about much more unrest than the rest of the year. The busyness and hurriedness of everything make it so hard to be at peace.

We continue to look for things or people to bring us peace but often find ourselves lost in the shuffle. We are a people longing for peace.
 
The world around us could be falling apart, and because of Jesus, we can have peace. If you find yourself without peace today, ask Jesus. He wants to bring peace to our hearts. Being in a relationship with Him is the greatest gift of peace we could ever receive.
 
Jesus spoke peace throughout the Scripture. His desire is that we would be at peace with one another. When I look at the state of our world and what is happening, it breaks my heart. If we do not feel at peace with other people, what can we do to be the one who brings peace? If we are dreading spending time with family around the Christmas holidays, how can we be a peacemaker?
 
In the second verse of the hymn “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” we find the lyrics:
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings; Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by; Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king."

As we prepare our hearts for the Advent of Jesus, may He fill us with all peace as we pursue Him. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him, no matter what comes our way. He longs to bring peace to each of us. Jesus is the One who brings peace on earth, peace in our hearts, and peace in our homes. As we celebrate His birth and await His return, we must continue to pray for peace.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray now, that you would send your Holy Spirit to lead us into your rest. That your peace would be our bedrock in times of uncertainty; that others might look at the calm of our hearts and desire Christ, in whom we rest. We pray these things in faith in the name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.

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