Advent: Week 4

Revised Common Lectionary
Micah 5:2–5a
Psalm 80:1–7
Hebrews 10:5–10
Luke 1:39–45 (46–55)

This is the fourth post in an Avent Series. See the introduction here.

In all the hustle and noise of the Christmas season, peace is hard to find. All of us long for it, but no matter how hard we work to find it we come up empty. My wife has been spending this month at the hospital watching families search for peace as a loved ones slowly or suddenly wither away. For some, the end of their life seems like a mercy. For others, death feels every bit as tragic as it should. But my wife sees very few people resting in peace as she walks from one patient’s room the next. And the rest of us seem to pace from room to room inside our hearts looking for even the faintest smell of peace.

There is peace to be had. When Jesus came for “the least of these,” He was bringing peace to those who were told it was not for them. Jesus has a way of reversing the status quo. Those who were out, get let in. Those who are lost become the found. The enemies become friends. The damned and dead are rescued and revived to live. The wondering find rest. The homeless find shelter. The hungry get nourished. Broken creation smells the fragrance of peace.

Even in the most hurried of seasons, we can find places of peace. It seems silly that a season created for celebrating a savior turns into the most frantic of times. But peace can be found. A cup of hot chocolate shared with a child. Giving a gift that won’t be matched. Pumping someone else’s tank full of gas they could not afford. Gathering around a fire to laugh with good friends (even if only over the phone). Watching a classic Christmas movie to help you remember years long past. Making cookies to share (or not). Holding someone in an embrace longer than you normally do. There is peace to be had.

Last night, I found a bit of peace. I sat my two-year-old daughter in my lap and tried to find small enough words to explain the significance of every piece of a nativity scene. Within minutes she lost interest, but I didn’t mind. As she squirmed impatiently trying to listen to her long-winded dad, there was peace for me. I asked her what Christmas was about and she said, “Christmas is about animals being friends with Jesus.” Good enough.

Peace is ultimately deferred until Jesus turns all of His promises into an ever-present reality. But even now, peace can be found. They might be small moments, but they are filling and warm. Peace can be found because Jesus has a habit of reversing the unseen to seen. Waiting turns into the delivery of a promised child. Oh come again, Lord Jesus.