A short Advent reflection today!
At my church we light Advent candles during the four Sundays before Christmas. It’s a tradition I’ve embraced and enjoy.
The first week stands for Hope, the second stands for Peace, the third for Love, and the fourth for Joy. (Various places do it in different ways.)
I’ve been thinking about peace. How to get it. How to keep it. Does it exist in a way that matters?
Advent is literally about a pregnant pause. We think about what is not yet here, like the girl Mary waited for many things expecting the Christ baby. Waiting.
It’s amazing how un-peaceful this time of year can be. There’s a lot to do, there’s bad weather to get around, there’s extra cooking, baking, and wrapping. And plenty more. The blitz from media alone is enough to get you ornery and want to opt out.
We’re are watching various Christmas themed family movies lately on the ABC Family Channel and the 8 minutes bombardment of commercialism propaganda in the commercials after every ten minutes of movie time gets me pretty frustrated!
So what about PEACE?
The peace that comes from the Spirit of peace really is inclusive of many others words, isn’t it?
The word peace is closer to Shalom which is a full-bodied concept. It included a fullness, a well-being, an “all will be well” over-arching attitude and sense. Provision. Rescue. Comfort.
Shalom is not contingent on circumstances but endures and carries an abiding joy (sturdy happiness).
It’s a lack of discord too.
There is a generosity to the word. There is a mercy there.
When Jesus offers peace to his followers in troubling times, he says the words, “Peace be with you”. It’s to bring comfort and stillness–ease of breath. Relief and placidity. Peace feels like coming home to a home you somehow remember but have never quite found.
“Peace on earth, goodwill to [humankind].”
It’s something you buy into. It’s something you put on and do things with.
Carry a bit of that with you today. Better yet, do something with it, and spread it, too!
(Start by spreading this article)
A Blessed Advent to you.
Now a question to ponder or reply to here: What else is peace (to you)?