Light of Peace
Many churches celebrate the Advent season for the four weeks before Christmas.
It is a beautiful tradition that helps to center our hearts and minds on Jesus through the themes of hope, peace, love, and joy.
This week's focus is on peace.
We have learned that God offers us peace and that His love can calm the most violent and raging storms within us.
When we accept God's peace in our hearts, minds, and souls, we experience a calm serenity.
The endless chatter in our minds of chaos, competition, rage, jealousy, unforgiveness, and judgment fade away.
We feel overcome by the brightness of God's peace and love and have no choice but to rest.
It reminds me of a warm summer day soothed by the bright sun as you lay on the beach, hearing the calm waves in the ocean softly lapping upon the sand.
When all is calm and bright within you, that is the energy and light you project into the world around you.
God's peace emanates from within you.
I have encountered some calm and peaceful people in my life.
I always joke that I'll have what they're having.
The drama at work doesn't rattle them, and they just let the annoyances of the world roll off their back.
They always seem to find a bright spot in the dark times.
They don't spend time gossiping or thinking the worst of others—they assume good intent and bring out the best in those around them.
They don't spend time worrying, what-if-ing, or worse-case-scenaro-ing. They live their lives to the fullest and choose to see the bright side of life.
I love those annoying, sweet people (kidding, of course).
I'm guessing that is the impact that Jesus had on the people He met.
Something was so different about Jesus that even the shortest connection instantly changed those who met Him.
People came to Him whining and complaining with their demands and woes, and He was able to speak the truth to them in love, and all that nonsense faded away.
With that noise and nonsense gone, Jesus' words changed their perspective and filled them with peace, truth, and understanding, guiding them to be the light of the world we still try to follow today.
I'm always impressed by the stories of the disciple's willingness to drop everything they knew to follow Jesus.
We must be willing to follow in God's truth and peace.
We must be brave and not afraid to receive God's peace, even if it means changing our lives in a way that confuses and scares us.
The calm and peace might take a while to get used to, but once we give in and rest in it, we will never want to go back!
Jesus - a tiny baby born in a manger on the other side of the world came to bring us hope, peace, love and joy.
What a wonderful gift we have been given.
I don’t think the plan was to leave those gifts unopened.
So let’s get to it!
God's plan for you, beloved, is filled with peace, calm, and kindness so that you can be the light this world so desperately needs.
Go light 'em up, beloved!
Luke 10:14
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.