posted on December 12

A Meditation for the Third Sunday of Advent:

Open to Joy

There are so many people who have written about the relationship between joy and peace. I remember a pastor telling me “Joy is peace on its feet.” Which defines peace as a vital part of joy.  Yet, peace and joy are not as loud as the world’s fear. Being at peace is hard when so much trauma has happened and continues to happen to daily lives and hearts. How can we be at peace when so much injustice and hatred is on repeat?  How can I be at peace when I want to organize and advocate for my friends, community, and future generations?

Ruth King reminded me the important fact that if I do not find my peace in Christ, I will only be reacting out of my ego and not responding out of discipleship. My heart must be soaked in the peace of Christ, so I know the way to respond in a Beatitude way.  The joy of revealing the Kingdom of God will only come when I know of Christ’s peace. 

“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. John 14:25-27

I believe the peace of Christ is truly found when I surrender all to God as my source.  Then when I am on my feet, I know there is joy to be a child of God. There will be joy when I am loving, listening and being present to the world.  We give what the world does not and that is the ability to be humble and truth tellers of love. My prayer is for peace to fill my days and yours. I hope all can find the courage to be soaked in peace in order for us all to respond as Joyful Beatitude People.

Let There Be Peace on Earth (The United Methodist Hymnal #431)
Words: Jill Jackson and Sy Miller. © 1955. Assigned to Jan-Lee Music, © renewed 1983.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-711660. All rights reserved.

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me;
let there be peace on earth,
the peace that was meant to be.

With God our creator,
family all are we.
Let us walk with each other
in perfect harmony.

Peace of Christ,
Maria King, Vitality Associate
Northern Piedmont District