Second Sunday of Advent (PEACE)

We all go through life’s trials, strained relationships, and everyday tensions. These engagements that we find trying, either with others, with situations or whatever the reason might be, can really steal the blessings that are on offer to us. And one of the blessings that we don’t often articulate as Christians is ‘peace.’ We recognise that there might be tension or turmoil that sits deep within us, but the way that we articulate it, makes it sound like a physical ailment. We say things like, 'I'm feeling uncomfortable, ' or ‘somethings not sitting right,’ or ‘I’m feeling ill at ease,’ it’s language that makes it seem like if we just take a Quick-Eze tablet, the feeling deep in our gut will settle down and go away.

But often when our peace is stolen, this is not a problem that affects us deep in our stomachs (although it could manifest that way), rather, at its heart, it’s a problem that affects us deep in our spirit. And although we often do a bad job of recognising peace for the blessing that it should be, the Bible reassures us that God's peace is available to every one of us even in our darkest moments. As we step back from life's pressures and enter God's presence, He speaks promises of hope and comfort over our circumstances.

Right throughout scripture we find that peace is on offer to us, Jesus himself said, "In me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This is a peace that allows us to trust in God's promises, to maintain a tranquil faith despite the chaos around us. What our beautiful bible tells us is that the peace of God, or "shalom," is more than an absence of conflict; it is a slice of heaven given to us now, it is a glimpse of how things are meant to be.

During this second Sunday of Advent, the Candle of Peace is a reminder of the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus, whose birth we anticipate and celebrate at this time of year. We will explore a few of these verses of ‘peace’ as we reflect on the Christ who entered into our history in Bethlehem, and who will return again.

May you be blessed with God’s peace that surpasses all understanding.

Josh