Embracing the Prince of Peace This Christmas Season

As I stood before our congregation this past Sunday, the second week of Advent, reflecting on the significance of peace, I couldn't help but feel a profound gratitude for this time of year. The Advent season is a powerful reminder of Jesus's first coming and the anticipation of His return. It’s a season bursting with hope, joy, and love, anchored by a message of transformative peace brought by the Prince of Peace Himself.

In our gathering, we sang timeless carols that reverberated with longing and joy, inviting Jesus to dwell in our hearts anew. We reflected on the prophecy from Isaiah about the "Root of Jesse"—a promise of hope and harmony not just for Israel, but for all of creation. Even in a world fraught with division and conflict, the imagery of the wolf lying with the lamb offers a glimpse of God's ultimate vision for us.

This moment in the church calendar also invites us to be peacemakers, as passionately voiced by the young ones who lit the Advent candles during our service. Christians are called to be signals of peace, active not just in personal sanctity but extending universally across homes, communities, and even distant nations. This peace is not passive; it demands boldness and is rooted in the knowledge and love of Christ.

During the sermon, I challenged the congregation with a simple yet profound question: "What do you want for Christmas?" While the world might offer a myriad of answers centered around material desires, for many, the true longing is for peace—peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others.

Achieving peace with God begins with acknowledging our inherent need for reconciliation, a concept Billy Graham poignantly laid out in his writings. Our estrangement from God is remedied through Jesus's sacrificial love, offering us a pathway to spiritual wholeness—a peace that transcends understanding.

Internally, the peace of God becomes a gift that soothes our troubled hearts and minds. It's a divine tranquility that doesn’t waver, even when external circumstances seem dire. This peace enables us to face life's challenges with a spirit of calm and hope.

Equally important is the peace we extend to others. As followers of Christ, embodying His peace means actively working to resolve conflicts and foster harmony. The call to "Love God and love people" is not only our greatest commandment but our greatest opportunity to mirror the kingdom of God here on earth.

This Sunday, as we concluded with communion, the symbolism was clear: Jesus's blood and body, given for us, was the ultimate peace offering. His sacrifice is the glue that holds us together, transforming our brokenness into a testimony of divine grace.

As we continue journeying through Advent, may the peace of Christ fill your hearts to overflowing. In all the midst of holiday busyness and preparations, I encourage you to pause, reflect, and be still, allowing the Prince of Peace to fully inhabit your spirit.

I pray you find solace in His promise and purpose, and that this Christmas season, you’ll be inspired to share His peace with those around you. Whether through a simple act of kindness, a heartfelt prayer, or a courageous conversation, let us be peacemakers reflecting God’s loving light.

May the Lord, our source of true peace, be with you always, filling your hearts now and throughout the year. Blessings and peace to you all this Christmas.