Our English word for peace holds meaning for more than one type of peace. Peace can refer to inner peace, tranquility, or outer peace, a state in which no war exists. The Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, refers to the appearance of calm and tranquility. In Greek, the word for peace Eirenen means unity and accord.
Love is the purest form of a soul at peace.
Matthew Donnelly
No matter what definition of peace we consider, the world feels far from peaceful and inner peace; that sense of calm in the face of stressors is impossible to grasp.
Yet, when we read the story of Jesus coming in the book of Isaiah, we are reminded that Jesus is “the Prince of Peace.” Jesus would come to bring us peace and would be a peacemaker.
Advent reminds us that we can have peace,
even when the world is at war.
Questions for Reflection:
Think of your ordinary every day; what spaces do you find lack peace?
What is one characteristic of a peacemaker that you are living out well?
Where might you improve how you live as a peacemaker? In your homes? Your community?
Prayer:
As we pause in prayer this Advent Season, God, calm our hearts and give us your peace.
Help us to remember that we have access to inner peace in you, and we have also been invited to serve as peacemakers in this world.
In this broken and hurting world, let us seek peace for ourselves and be advocates for peace everywhere.
Give us listening ears,
Noticing eyes,
Compassionate hearts,
Open hands,
So that we might find peace and carry that peace to others in our ordinary days.
May we know the peace that comes from you and share that peace with the world.
Amen
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we live fully present in this season of anticipation. May we overflow with love, knowing we are so very loved.
