Peace I Leave With You

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder, and his name shall be called[e] Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.

Last week our reading led us to practice steadfast love and faithfulness for God and one another. This Sunday, the advent candle was the Candle of Peace. There are many ways to define peace… absence of conflict, freedom from fear, living in harmony, calm and serenity. But what is peace really?

People search for peace in so many places but it cannot be found in eastern meditation, or otherness from the world. It is not the silence we seek from the noise and hectic pace of our lives. It won’t come by escaping from the reality of the world in which we live. No, peace is deep. It is lasting. It is rooted. True peace is more than a feeling, it is a soul’s cry for wholeness that can only be answered in Christ and his indiscriminate gift of salvation for all humanity.

Peace is not just knowing, but living in the truth there is nothing that we can do to earn God’s favor. No money, deeds, stature or fame assure or earn our peace, but rather when we surrender ourselves to the risen savior, we make peace with God. That peace with God compels us to live in peace with one another.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He died for the best and worst in us. But before he died, He lived among us, He laughed among us, He healed among us, He ministered among us. He showed us the way to peace with God and humanity. And now we are called to do the same. To live peace. To live healing. To live the message of Jesus. To see in one another what Christ sees in us…God’s children, worthy of love. Mother Teresa once said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” We are Sons and daughters of the Prince of Peace, but we are also brothers and sisters in Christ. We are created to live in peace and community with one another knowing that our differences are not greater than God’s call to love.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

Prayer: Holy God, help me find peace and rest in you and then may I live out that peace in my relationships with my neighbors.- Amen