A serene wintry landscape. Source: Raul Koženevski via Pexels.
Sometimes it seems like peace is some unobtainable goal in our lives. We get frustrated about our circumstances. Those around us annoy us. Someone just cut us off in traffic. A coworker or family member is unbelievably rude. It never ends, or so it seems.
With a hectic Christmas and holiday season looming, it’s like life can’t be crazier. People are out at stores getting gifts for loved ones and last minute items. There are long lines, crazy drivers in the parking lot, and a whole lot of chaotic emotions.
When we have to contend with all these stressful things during the holiday season, the last thing we think about is peace. Yet those of us who love Jesus are called to be peacemakers.
The Peaceful Night
The Nativity Window at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, 1908; Source: NateBergin
The Christmas scene has always been a vivid one. Mary, the virgin mother reclines as she glances at her beautiful baby boy sleeping in the manger. Joseph, her kind husband stands near Mary, gazing down at both of them with love. The light of the bright Eastern star looms above, shining brightly over the young family. There is a general sense of peace and awe.
Since this takes place in a manger—because there was no room at the inn—they are surrounded by animals you would often find there. Scripture tells us that there were shepherds protecting their flocks during night time and that the angels of the Lord appeared to them. Three wise men—the magi—eventually appeared to present their gifts to baby Jesus.
If you consider the beautiful scene before us, peace is everywhere. The peaceful, quiet night. The peaceful, young parents filled with awe. The animals gazing on peacefully. The angels singing: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14). During the night when our Lord was born (he became flesh and dwelt among us), all was peaceful…even if only in that moment.
The Candle of Peace
Source: Georg Manfred Heinlein
The second candle we light on the Advent wreath this week is called the Bethlehem candle. This candle reminds us of the journey that Mary and Joseph had to undertake to travel to Bethlehem. The Roman Emperor of that time, Caesar Augustus had ordered a census and this required all people to return to their home towns. Since Joseph was a descendant of King David, they traveled to Bethlehem in Judea.
We think of Mary and Joseph and all the sacrifices they had to make. Mary, nine months pregnant, had to sit atop a donkey as they traveled for days. We can only imagine that that was not very comfortable. Joseph had to walk for days. You could almost envision him going without food so that his wife can eat.
The truth is that Mary and Joseph lived in a time that was anything but peaceful. Judea was considered a backwater land of the Roman Empire. The Romans were known to be violent and brutal. They were viewed as oppressors by the native people of that region. Judaism in Jesus’s time was very different from what it is today. There were various forms of Judaism competing with one another: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealots, and the Essenes.
This candle points to Jesus as the King of Peace. When he arrived into the world, he brought with him the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of Peace.
Peace in Our Lives
What exactly is peace? Merriam-Webster presents some possible definitions: “a state of tranquility or quiet,” “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions,” and “harmony in personal relations.”
Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians tells us that peace is one of fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In his letter to the Philippians, he writes: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Bearing all of this in mind, we are called to be peacemakers. Start today by introducing peace into your own life. It could be something as simple as being kind to yourself or taking time to quiet your mind. Focus on being a peacemaker as you are interacting with others. Did someone just cut you off? Take a deep breath. Let it go. Itching to start a fight with that annoying relative? Or worse yet, are they trying ti start a fight with you? Don’t do it. Walk away.
Are you feeling disquiet or discomfort in your heart? Talk to the Lord. Give it to him. He loves you deeply.
Long story short, let peace be a part of your season of Advent.
