This morning, in this second week of Advent, we light the PEACE candle. Our Advent reflection was written by Commonway member, Leah Chandler, and can be found on the Commonway blog. Listen, as Isaiah prophesies about the coming of Jesus in Isaiah 9: 6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
And in chapter 11 v1-3
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
It may seem ironic, at times, that in the advent season we remember the coming arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. The holidays often seem anything but peaceful;
- the mad rush to purchase, prep, and package just the right gifts;
- the sometimes-overwhelming expectations to celebrate with friends, colleagues, and family
- and, whether a student, employee, or homemaker,… the race to get everything accomplished in the next few weeks can be intense.
The pressure can become too much – and that is exactly why we need this coming Prince of Peace who already lives in our hearts and overflows our souls. At any moment, we can allow him to invade and overcome us with his presence and his peace. We need only to allow him in.
As we enter the rush of this blessed season, let’s not allow it to overwhelm us. Let us remember to let “a little child” lead us in the way of peace. As we breathe in his peace, we will delight in the LORD and his spirit of wisdom and understanding will rest on us.
Peace be with you
