This Sunday, the Second Sunday in Advent, is Peace Sunday.
Advent is the season of rest, calm, stillness, peace. But let’s face it. Advent season and Christmastime don’t always feel that peaceful. Finding and living in peace is a discipline. And it is not for the faint of heart.
As we rush towards the holidays, the gift buying and wrapping, the food preparation, the offering and receiving of invitations, the difficulties of handling lingering family conflicts, the excesses of food and alcohol and worries of budgets and mounting debt – where are we to ever find peace?
To soak in peace this Advent, we must initiate practices that breed peace and hereunder are a few simple (I hope) ways we can do that:
Light a Candle—Light an Advent candle or any candle that brings you joy. Sit quietly for a moment, taking in its warmth and light. There is something soothing in the simplicity of lighting a candle so take your time as you sit and feel the peace wash over you.
Breathe—Let your heart wander in God’s presence and take a minute to breathe slow and deep. You could read an advent verse, devotion or listen to a favourite hymn It doesn’t need to be fancy or take long. Just take five minutes to do something that connects you to the presence of Creator God in your midst.
Listen – Put on some Christmas Carols, or your favourite music of any genre. Let the sound wash over you, fill you, stir memories and envelop you in a feeling of peace.
Gather—Come close to the fire or candle light with loved ones. Gather your hearts together to share in the warmth and simplicity. Speak to each other softly and quietly- or not at all. Let the silence and the warmth of each other’s company be the source of peace.
Speak or repeat words of peace- you might want to remember the words of Jesus as you search for a peaceful moment in your day: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”. John 14: 27 NKJ
Above all else, I encourage you to be the peace you long for so that you may be a blessing of peace to others during this journey to Bethlehem this year.
In peace,
Beryl