Thanks to everyone who joined us in worship this past Sunday to kick off the Advent season. If you were there, then you know from my sermon that we are approaching Advent a little differently this year. If you weren’t, check out the sermon when you have a few spare minutes. This year, we are preparing for Christmas by focusing on the manger. While last week, we took stock of our expectations and our “hope,” this week, our themes direct our attention to the concept of “peace.”
In the story of Jesus’ birth as told in the gospel of Luke, the angel spoke to shepherds and shared the good news, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” I don’t know about you, but I could use some extra PEACE in my life. “If I could get a little peace and quiet,” we often declare out of frustration. What exactly do we mean? The cliché hope and goal of most beauty queens is to work for “world peace.” Peace is a noble ideal, but seems to be painfully illusive. What does peace mean to you?
Is peace simply the absence of violence, war, and many other bad realities and emotions? Or, does peace require the presence of something good and positive —like justice, kindness, and health? The Christmas season is not usually peaceful around my house. Decorations, presents, shopping, cleaning, concerts, parties, and guests usually evoke an increased level of stress, not less. The images of winter and Christmas, full of serenity, quiet, new-fallen snow, and solemnity are certainly idyllic. Is that what you’re hoping for?
When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, what kind of peace will you hope to find under your tree? May our pursuit of peace draw us nearer to the heart of God and each other. Amen.
Pastor Adam
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