posted on December 01

A Meditation for the Second Sunday of Advent:

Open to Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13–14 (ESV)
 
Shalom is Hebrew for “peace” – it is often used as a greeting. But it has many more meanings: the absence of agitation or of discord, lack of worry, harmony, fullness, prosperity, tranquility, soundness, safety, rest, wholeness, completeness. Shouldn’t we all want these things? – PEACE

Shalom means reconciliation with God. Shalom also means peace with others. Shalom is not only outward peacefulness — but also peace within oneself.

The World defines peace as freedom from disturbance; tranquility; a state or period in which there is no war, or a war has ended. Our world is in constant need of peace. From every part of the globe, there is need for peace. In our world the actions of one, can affect the peace of so many. The lack of love in one’s heart – can change the peace we ALL need in OUR world. We pray for Peace in our world.

As I think of PEACE - I think of peace of mind and heart. I wish for calmness in my thoughts. In our minds, because our minds are always in motion, there is always something that needs to be done, taken care of, completed, changed, moved, or redone.

Our minds never seem to be at peace, or calm. Are there ways we can be at peace in our thoughts? Yes, through meditation, reading, taking the time to be in God’s presence. Being with the Prince of Peace, the one who will take care of all things (if we let Him).

Advent will forever be a season of both pain and joy for me. This is the season I lost the most precious gift – the one who loved me first, the one who took care of me, the one who gave me everything I needed and more, who showed me the meaning of unconditional love, who gave me back to Him because she knew I belonged to Him. Because I am Open to Peace, I can celebrate this Advent Season knowing the Prince of Peace has, can and will calm my mind, let my mind and heart be at peace. He does this for each of us.

Our Lord, Our Savior is Peace. He gives us Peace. Be open to Peace. Receive His Peace. Only through our relationship with Christ, will we have the PEACE that we need, desire, and deserve.

“May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”  ~ Teresa of Ávila

This Advent season may we take a few moments to calm ourselves down, to breathe, to rest and restore ourselves, as we focus our hearts and minds on Jesus Christ, Our Prince of Peace.

Open to Peace, Shalom,

Landa Wallace
District Administrator