The second candle of Advent was lit and the theme or topic of focus for this week is PEACE.
Pretty sure our world could use more PEACE right about now.
My 7 year old daughter asked me this morning as we watched the news, "Why is there only BAD stuff on the news?!"
Sadly, she's right.
Fires.
Bombings.
Shootings.
Political differences.
Kidnappings. We heard about an Amber Alert for 3 children and their mother today. In the city where I grew up. So a little too close to home for me! Literally!
Doesn't sound very PEACEFUL, does it?
Honestly, we can search and search for peace here on earth, but we aren't going to find it in a store, or on-line, or even in a person - no matter how wonderful they may be. This might be part of the problem. We are looking for peace in all the wrong places, and end up more stressed out, angry, discouraged, frustrated, downhearted, and even hateful.
The ONLY way we can find peace is to find JESUS.
When He was born, the angels announced, "Peace on earth!"
Heaven had collided with the small town of Bethlehem that night.
And not only would that small stable be impacted, but the whole world would be forever changed.
Peace came.
And peace is readily available to anyone and everyone on a daily basis.
However, Paul reminds us that only as we give our worries to God will we experience God's peace, and when we do it will surpass our understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
We must also remember that God NEVER promised life on this earth would be easy. In fact, Jesus Himself assured us that we would face trials and difficulties. He guaranteed us that we would suffer. BUT, He also promised that HE would be our peace, that HE would overcome the world. (John 16:33)
The problem arises when we look for peace on earth instead of peace in Jesus.
A bigger house won't give us peace.
A fancy car won't give us peace.
Designer clothes won't give us peace.
Popularity and applause and recognition won't give us peace.
A position or promotion doesn't give us the peace we need and want.
Music, food, drugs...none of them give us peace either.
True and lasting peace is found in JESUS and Him ALONE.
Today, our Advent Activity Jar was to make a wreath out of the girls handprints.
As I snapped their picture, I couldn't help but remember that JESUS extends His hand to us every single day, offering us His PEACE. He welcomes us into His presence, to sit and rest, to be still and know that HE is God. We need not worry. Instead, cast all your cares and anxities on Him. He will listen. He knows our hearts and wants the best for us. He has every detail of our lives worked out - the past, even when it didn't make sense; the here and now, even if we don't understand what in the world is going on; and the future, even if we have no idea what is coming next. We can trust that God has it all figured out. As the children's song goes, "He's got the whole world in His hands."
I think I will remember that every time I walk past the girls' handprint wreaths.
Maybe I should have had the girls put their hands in the peace symbol...
No matter what was on the news this morning...
No matter what happened throughout the day...
No matter what the reporters will tell us this evening...
No matter what takes place while we sleep tonight...
Peace IS here!
One of Jesus' names was Emmanuel - God WITH us.
It was true then, on that starry night when Jesus was born.
And it's still true today.
As Paul prayed so many years ago, I pray again today, "And now may God, who gives us His PEACE, be with you all. Amen."
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