Advent and peace

It has been observed that the Christmas season is one of the least peaceful times of the year.  We all know that is not how things should be, and we all know that the celebration of our Lord's birth should be a season on peace and not business.

My family's tradition is that the second candle of Advent is the candle of peace.  I like that the season begins with hope and then moves to peace; peace flows from our hope.

I have found that my most broken moments are often my most peaceful moments, because from brokenness come dependency on God, dependency flows into intimacy, and from intimacy comes Christ's peace "which surpasses all understanding" (Phil 4:7)

I like that we are not commanded to muster up peace.  We do not have to obtain peace to turn to God, but rather peace flows from turning to God, from obedience, from being present in His presence. Our peace is not dependent upon us, our actions, or our circumstances, but upon God who is independent.  We receive peace like we receive grace.

So may we have peace even in the middle of the chaos of the season.  May we "be still and know" (Ps 46:10), may we rest in His presence and peace, because it is there that we are home.