Season of Advent: Peace, Day 1

Season of Advent: Peace, Day 1

Reading:

“For a child has been born for us…and he is named…Prince of Peace”[1]

Reflection:

Peace, the first theme of Advent, springs from the Hope we find as we experience Emmanuel – God with us. Peace comes as we learn to trust that God’s presence within and around us is real, even though it seldom manifests in the way or on the timeline we may think it should. That trust frees us from anxiety so we can experience an internal peace that, in the words of the apostle Paul, passes all understanding. We no longer feel we must control or even understand the events of our lives, as if we ever controlled or understood them anyway. As we learn to face life’s challenges without fear, trusting God’s timing and presence, a sense of peaceful equanimity emerges.

More than that, our sense of peace naturally spreads to those around us with little or no effort on our part. Peaceful beings transmit peace. The imagery of the Prince of Peace does not necessarily refer to the seemingly impossible dream of peace on earth. One can argue that the primary manifestation of the Prince of Peace, another name for Emmanuel, is the sense of internal peace manifested in us, which we then project into the world.

The earthly royal designations of prince or princess are special and rare circumstances of one’s earthly, birth lineage. The birth of the Christ-child in our hearts bestows a royal designation to anyone willing to receive it by being consciously reborn into the family of God.

Optional Video Meditation: Peace

Closing Meditation:

Recall a time when you felt most at peace. What differentiated that experience from less peaceful times in your life? How can that sense of peace be recreated for you?

Silently reflect on internal peace. Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2025, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Isaiah 9:6