Advent Week 2 - Peace

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Welcome back! Whether you’re back for round two, or are visiting for the first time, I am honored by your visit. This week I have been reflecting on the way peace and light are related. Plus, this week includes a Christmas carol that was written by a German speaker - you know I had to! I hope that the reflections for this week offer some encouragement. 


Advent Week 2: Peace - All is calm, all is bright with extravagant light!


“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2


One thing that I have grown to love about the Advent season is the abundance of light. All I have to do is walk into my front yard and look up the street to see the presence of light. It’s everywhere - in the trees, on houses, in more colors and shades than I ever imagined could exist. The houses with the warm white lights trimming the frame, candles casting a gentle glow from the window are lovely and inviting, with a classy green wreath adorning the front door or window. This year, though, I have been captivated by that house. The one with all of the lights, in all of the colors that zig-zag through the trees, and all of the blow up figures, making it impossible to drive by without slowing down. What appeals to me is that in spite of the early, surrounding darkness, the lights twinkle, sparkle, shine unashamed, illuminating everything that comes close enough to take in the display. In the moment that it takes to slow down and look at the lights, there is a pause, a moment of peace and reflection. I have known about Jesus for a long time, but that knowledge took on a different dimension when I realized that He wanted my attention. He came with an abundance of light, shining into the darkest corners of my life, making everything new. The extravagance of the lights on the most decorated lawn look dim in comparison.


If anything, the world feels darker than ever this year. Joseph Moh'rs familiar carol, Silent Night, seems like a nice thought, but about as far from reality as one can imagine. As everything seems to groan for a moment in which "all is calm, all is bright," the Psalms tell us that the “unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding…” Psalm 119:130. His words, His truth illuminate. When light enters a dark room, the darkness cannot stay. In a sense, light creates space. Shining a light in a dark room opens our eyes, putting us at ease, allowing us to move freely. Shining the truth of Christ into our hearts creates space for us to understand, for Him to work, and for change to happen. It reveals who we are, and who He has made us to be. It helps us see others, not as we want them to be, but as people crafted in the likeness of a loving Creator. When the calendar seems impossibly full this week, when responsibility seems too much, when the burden seems too heavy and the world too dark, may we invite His light to shine. May we welcome His extravagant light and peace into our hearts, and may we be instruments of peace to those around us. Heaven knows it is needed. As you pass by houses decorated with lights, pause and remember. He is the light, and He has come.


“He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.” Isaiah 9:6


Please enjoy this beautiful rendition of Silent Night in German, and if you don't know the story, look up Joseph Mohr - Silent Night. Fascinating!



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