Advent peace 

A reflection on the peace offered by Christ - and how we may cultivate it in our hearts amid the busyness of the season. By Simon Mattholie

'Peace: it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart'  (unknown)

We have begun in our house what I refer to as ‘Christmas card roulette’. Like many, the cost of sending cards this year has been weighing on our minds, so we have sought to whittle our list further to include only those we received cards from last year.

But then the post arrives, reminding us of someone we sent a card to last year. They didn’t send one to us, so we took them off the list - only to receive a card from them this year.

Knowing what to do is a dilemma, so we have a pile of ‘emergency cards’ on standby adorned with holly, candles and a robin, wishing the recipient ‘Peace on Earth’ without considering the words. Peace is an interesting concept that bears closer reflection.

As we journey through Advent, peace is one of the profound gifts we are invited to meditate on. Peace feels somewhat elusive in our world, seemingly marked by chaos, division, and unrest, yet peace is essential. The peace we are invited to embrace is not merely the absence of conflict or noise but rather a deep, abiding peace that comes from God and “surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

With all the rush and hurry of this time of year, it can be tempting to see others experiencing God’s peace and believe the lie that the promise of peace is for everyone but me. When we’re overcome with worry about a situation, it can feel like peace is a far-off dream, something that just isn’t possible.

Perhaps this might have something to do with seeing peace as a solution to our difficult circumstances rather than a quiet heart amid the storm.

Isaiah, the prophet of old, spoke eloquently about the coming Messiah, describing him as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). These words, penned centuries ago, still resonate, inviting us to reflect on the nature of the peace that Christ brings.

This enduring, transformative peace transcends not just our busyness and stress but also worldly circumstances. It is the kind of peace that calms our fears, steadies our hearts, and gives us the courage to hope in the face of uncertainty, stress and worry.

Advent peace is not merely the absence of hurry or conflict but the presence of God. Christ's peace is not contingent on external circumstances but is anchored in God's unchanging character.

Perhaps the problem we experience with the lack of peace is that our lives were created to revolve around God. God is the centre. Humans were designed and engineered to be like planets that revolve around the sun. Instead, each of us has the propensity to live like we are the centre.

So, how do we cultivate this peace in our hearts amid the busyness of the season? How do we re-position ourselves with God as the centre?

Advent invites us to pause, to create space for stillness, reflection, and prayer. When we take time to be in God's presence, we are reminded of His sovereignty and goodness, even when life feels uncertain. We begin to see our position as being less central and more centrifugal. As we light the candle of peace on the Advent wreath, let it symbolise the light Christ brings into the darkness of our lives, illuminating the path of peace.

Let us ask ourselves this Advent: How can I be an instrument of God's peace? It may mean offering a word of encouragement to someone who is struggling. It may involve seeking reconciliation with someone from whom we have been estranged.

Or perhaps it simply means resting in the knowledge that God is with us, even in the storms of life.

Ask yourself what stresses, anxieties, situations, and relationships cry out in need for this prince of peace.

Ask the Holy Spirit to point out areas that could use his peace… wait a few moments and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to them.

As we await the coming of Christ, let us pray for peace - not only for ourselves but also for the world. May the Prince of Peace reign in our hearts and guide our steps so that we may each reflect His love and light to all we encounter.

Now, back to my pile of emergency Christmas cards; the postman has just been…

 
Image | Anne Nygård | Unsplash

 

Simon Mattholie is a Baptist minister and the CEO of Rural Ministries where this reflection first appeared. It is republished with permission.

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