5. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE IN CHRIST

Sunday, December 8th

(As we reflect on our peace in Christ this week, I plan to allow for small pauses throughout my day to think of Jesus as my peaceful presence.)

This week, what does it mean for us to find our Peace in Christ?

We can find our peace in the life of Jesus, from his wise and faithful perspectives shown through every encounter, instruction, trial, and good work. His complete trust in God’s merciful and gracious love helped him to live the life he lived–to endure the things he endured–and so his words ring true. I find his words in the Beatitudes especially reassuring, giving us a sense of God’s peace for the challenges and experiences we have in our life of faith. That he is not preaching from a comfortable throne in a luxurious palace makes these assurances truly beautiful and trustworthy; he is speaking on a hillside, among the poor and outcast, living a humble life.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

(Matthew 5:1-12, NIV)

May we go in peace this week, remembering we are tenderly and dearly loved, trusting that God’s goodness will surround us to the very end.