We began our Sunday morning worship this past weekend by focusing on the Advent. I cherish this tradition as we reflect on each of the four candles in the Advent wreath – each bringing us closer to the time when we recall not only His birth but, His second coming.
After relighting the first candle in Advent, that of hope, we lit the candle for the second Sunday in Advent, peace. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace.
I love how Joni Eareckson Tada reflects on peace and the significance of One born that night in the village of Bethlehem,
God’s name is great because His majesty and authority was glorified through peace. And when I say peace, friend, I don’t mean the waving of a white flag or a ceasefire between God and man; I mean that Jesus was our peace treaty. He and He alone ended the war between God and man. He came to reconcile us to our Creator and restore our relationship with the Father. Once there had been hostility between God and man. Once we were objects of His wrath, but now, now (all because of Jesus) we have peace.
I’m so thankful for the significance of the Advent and, of Joni’s reflections which help to keep me centered on the true meaning of Christmas. During this second week of Advent, I pray that . . .
- divisions in ourselves and in our families be peacefully resolved.
- there be peace in our cities and in the countries of our world.
- we see the paths of peace in our lives, and have courage to follow them.
- we remember that only God is the giver of lasting peace.
As Joni shares,
No wonder the angels sang that night over the little town of Bethlehem, “Glory to God in the highest because peace has entered earth, and God intends good will toward all people.”
(Contact me, lee@ambaa.com this Christmas season to add either, or both, of Joni’s daily radio messages to your program schedule – available in either 4:00 or 1:00 length.)
