Advent Devotion Week 1: Peace

Peace: God Gives Us Peace When There Seems to Be None

John 14:27  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.

When we read or hear world news, it seems there is no peace. I think of the Christians in both Israel and Gaza who are enduring heart-wrenching circumstances. As relentless attacks ripped through their peaceful communities, they live with constant fear, grief, and loss of home. The same hit Ukraine almost two years ago. Everything they knew as normal life disintegrated. As we watch and pray for them, we can’t help but wonder if something similar will happen to us. Where is peace?

Yet, in our country, we deal with school shootings, random acts of violence, and more. Where is peace? We’ve been led to believe that peace is the absence of conflict and violence. Yet the truth is there is peace in the midst of all of this.

The disciples and Jesus lived in Roman occupation with forced peace. The Roman government used military force to make sure no uprisings happened. Jesus and the disciples also faced greater scrutiny and the potential of violence from the Jewish leaders by this point in our Savior’s ministry. Jesus is preparing them for when He would die and ascend into heaven by telling them He will send the Holy Spirit to remind them of what He taught but also to teach them during His physical absence. He would not leave them with fear and anxiety but with His peace.  Not only would He leave, but while He was away, He would prepare a place in Heaven for them—and us. He promises He will come back and take all of His remaining people with Him.

When we consider Jesus’ words, His death, and resurrection, and the place He’s prepared for us, we can accept the peace He gives us regardless of what’s happening around us. Let’s reflect on His gift of Peace during the Advent season and how His peace can change how we view our circumstances. Live in Peace.

Many blessings to you.