Welcome
to the second week of Advent when we light the second candle and our theme is
“peace.”

 

In
a humorous moment in A Christmas Carol,
Ebenezer Scrooge observes the Ghost of Christmas Present wears a scabbard but
it bears no sword.  Agreeing with
Scrooge’s observation, the Ghost of Christmas Present responds to Scrooge by
reminding him, “Peace on earth!  Goodwill
toward men!”  But is it just on Christmas
Day that we are to have peace?  More than
that, is this peace promised to all of humanity in the first place?  Is Christmas a time when all wars should
cease and be resumed on January 1?

 

This
idea comes from Luke 2:13-14:

 

Suddenly,
the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God
and saying,  “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on
earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Luke
2:13–14 (New Living Translation)

 

On
whom is “peace on earth” promised?  The answer is in the text: “to those with whom God is pleased.”  Just like the bumper sticker so adequately and
completely reads, “Know Jesus, Know
Peace. No Jesus, No Peace.”  It is
remarkable how our culture seems to expect the lights, tinsel, garland, Christmas
trees, sales, shopping malls, and gifts will somehow produce a single second’s
peace.

 

This
is, again, where the celebration of Advent can help us.  We can remember that true peace at this time
of year—and the rest of the year—only comes from Jesus.  “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind
and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be
troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NLT).

 

The
Gift Jesus gives us this week is peace. 
A peace not brought into our homes by virtue of a credit card but by a
most unusual birth in Bethlehem.  May we
find peace during this season.  Although
few noticed and even fewer came to worship, God provided a way to have “peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”   Dear one in Christ, remember that He who
calmed the storm is still walking over the waves of your life.

 

Peace
be with all of you!

 

Suggestions
for reading and meditation through this week:

  • Malachi
    3:1-4
  • Isaiah
    11:1-10
  • Psalm
    72:1-7, 18-19
  • Romans
    15:4-13
  • Matthew
    3:1-12
  • Song:
    “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (Casting Crowns has a wonderful version of
    this hymn)
  • Song:
    “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
  • Song:
    “It is Well With My Soul”
  • Song:
    “Lead Me to the Rock” (CompassionArt)