Seeking the Prince of Peace–Second Week in Advent
Gathered around our Advent wreath, we light the candle representing Peace. Two candles glow while we reflect on this week’s meaning.
Peace in this world seems elusive. We may find it for a moment, or a day, or maybe even a few months, depending on our circumstances. Our peace rides the waves of our emotions, rising on the tide of happiness only to come crashing down with a turn in events.
How can we find lasting peace? Hide ourselves in the Lord, the source of all peace. Isaiah 9:6 and 7 foretells the promise of a coming Messiah. One who will be a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”
In the gospel of John, chapter 14:27, Jesus tells his disciples and us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “
That’s the promise of lasting peace we have been seeking. No earthly substitute can provide the peace. our hearts seek. This is the promise of internal peace from the Creator of the world. A peace that transcends our every thought, emotion, circumstance, and pressure emerging from our heart, mind, soul, and the surrounding world. Our Lord takes the messy parts of our lives and brings us His peace right in the middle. Our circumstances might not change, but we have assurance that He is holding us through it all.
As I contemplate His peace, I’m reminded of the song, “You Are My Hiding Place” taken from Psalm 32. In Verse 7, it says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” When fear overtakes me, I can find peace in Christ.
In Max Lucado’s book, “Because of Bethlehem,” he implies that our peace is tied up in choosing God’s ways. Psalm 34: 12-14 says, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”
In the candle glow, His Peace washes over us, knowing that He sees the turmoil or sins within, and yet says, “Come to me do not be afraid.” As we seek the Prince of Peace this week, let’s pray that He opens our hearts, enters the messy and sinful parts of our hearts, and gives us a renewed desire to seek and follow Him.
One of the things that I am finding helpful as I write this week’s reflection is to seek out Scriptures on God’s peace.
May the glow of the Advent candles draw your heart to the warmth of God’s Hope, Love, and Peace.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Thanks Janice for your writing on peace, i’d like to comparison to it being like to see the waves of the sea with its high and lows. Made me think of a river in the song we have peace like a river that flows into the sea but that’s the worlds peace God‘s peace is a river that flows upstream against problems really enjoyed your your devotion!
Dear Gene, Thank you for your comparison of peace being like a river that flows upstream against our problems. I’ll look forward to your observations on my posts. Christmas Blessings, Janis
Janis, I am so very grateful His peace. Even in the midst of the turmoil of this world, I have peace as I rest in the assurance of His Word and promises. I so appreciated reading this post. May His peace surround both you and Tom!
Thank you, Joanne. As we look around us, it does seem like this world is crumbling. Our only peace rests in Him.
Lovely, Janis. I’m so glad you commented on my blog. Peace. Shalom. Is ours. Praise His Name.
Thank you for visiting, Susan. Yes, He is our Peace. Our Shalom–that word is so rich in meaning. I have a fond place in my heart for the Jewish people I know and their culture as well as the faith, which is the root of ours. May they all come to know their Messiah, Jesus Christ, has come.
Blessings,
Janis