In the Light of His Peace

As we gather in the warm embrace of fellowship during this Advent season, our hearts are aglow with the hope kindled by the first candle. Last week, we embarked on a journey of anticipation, fixating our gaze on the radiant light that symbolized hope—the hope found in the promise of Christ. Today, we stand on the threshold of another luminary moment, ready to illuminate the sanctuary with the flame of the second candle, signifying peace.

The second candle holds a profound significance in our Advent journey. It stands not only as a beacon of divine promise but as a testament to the transformative power of the Prince of Peace, whose arrival we eagerly await. In a world often marred by discord and unrest, the symbolism of peace takes center stage during this sacred season. It beckons us to pause amidst the hustle and bustle, inviting the tranquility of Christ's peace to permeate our hearts and homes.

As we light this second candle, let us recognize its profound importance. It represents the calm in the storm, the assurance that in Christ, we find a peace that transcends understanding. In a society marked by chaos and division, this candle serves as a gentle reminder of the source of true peace—the one who declared, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27, NLT).

So, with hearts attuned to the melody of hope from last week, we now turn our focus to the harmony of peace. As we immerse ourselves in the radiance of this candle, may the Prince of Peace draw near, soothing our spirits and guiding us through this sacred season of Advent.

Let us prepare our hearts for the kindling of the second candle, a symbol of the peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace that can only be found in the embrace of our Savior.

Last week, as we ignited the flame of hope, our hearts resonated with the anticipation of Christ's coming. The glow of the first candle cast a luminous beam on the promises woven into the fabric of our faith. It beckoned us to traverse the corridors of expectation, reminding us that even in the darkest of nights, hope prevails. Today, as we stand on the precipice of the second week of Advent, let us reflect on that initial flicker of hope.

In the quiet moments of contemplation, consider the impact of hope on our lives. The hope encapsulated in the birth of Christ is not a mere wishful thinking but a profound assurance—an anchor that steadies our souls in the ebb and flow of life's uncertainties. As we shared our personal stories last week, I was deeply moved by the collective strength found in our hope in Christ. It is a hope that endures trials, a hope that defies despair, and a hope that radiates even in the face of adversity.

The first candle served as a herald, inviting us to align our hearts with the timeless promises embedded in God's Word. Each flicker was a gentle reminder that our journey of faith is a tapestry woven with threads of hope—a hope that echoes in the words of Romans 15:13 (NLT), "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Having reflected on the glowing embers of hope from the first candle, we now turn our attention to the advent of the second, where the atmosphere is charged with the promise of peace. As we kindle this new flame, we step into a sacred moment, recognizing that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ in our midst.

The second candle, radiant with the significance of peace, beckons us to consider the tranquil haven found in the Prince of Peace. The flickering flame whispers a message of reassurance, inviting us to surrender our anxieties and rest in the serenity that Christ offers. Isaiah's prophetic words guide us, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3, NLT). It's an invitation to fix our gaze on the One who is our true anchor in the storms of life.

In a world often gripped by unrest, the symbolism of peace takes on profound importance. It extends beyond our personal tranquility to a collective longing for a world harmonized by the love and grace of our Savior. As we light the Candle of Peace, let us open our hearts to receive the transformative power of the Prince of Peace and, in turn, become bearers of peace to those around us.

Join me now as we engage in this sacred act of kindling the second candle, symbolizing the peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that emanates from the very heart of our Savior.

Having illuminated the second candle, a radiant symbol of peace, let us delve into the profound depth of what it means to find peace in Christ. This peace isn't a fleeting sentiment; it's an anchor for our souls, a tranquil refuge amid life's tempests. In the Gospel of John, Jesus assures us, "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).

To comprehend peace in Christ is to recognize it as a divine gift, distinct from the transient peace the world offers. It transcends circumstances and emotions, finding its roots in an unwavering trust in the One who holds all things together. Colossians 3:15 (NLT) beautifully encapsulates this truth: "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

As we navigate the complexities of life, the peace of Christ becomes our guiding force, leading us through the ebbs and flows with steadfast assurance. It's a peace that surpasses understanding, a tranquil surrender to the divine orchestration of our lives. Brothers and sisters, may this profound understanding of peace in Christ resonate within our hearts and spill over into our interactions with one another and the world.

In the glow of the advent candles, let us allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, fostering unity and gratitude as we journey together through this sacred season.

With the comforting glow of the Peace candle casting its light upon us, our hearts are drawn into the rich tapestry of the Advent journey. This journey, rooted in prophecies of old, unfolds with the promise of peace. Isaiah, the voice crying out in the wilderness, proclaimed, "Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace” (Luke 1:78-79, NLT).

The Advent journey is a sojourn toward the path of peace paved by the mercy of our gracious God. It's a pilgrimage through the shadowy landscapes of our lives, guided by the luminous promise of the Prince of Peace. As we traverse the terrain of our own experiences, let us pause to acknowledge the moments of divine illumination that have guided us to this very point.

Reflecting on the prophecies and promises, we find ourselves situated on a sacred path, a pathway illuminated not only by the light of candles but by the radiance of Christ’s peace. Romans 5:1 (NLT) echoes this truth: "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."

In these moments of reflection, let us recognize the journey we are on—a journey of faith, guided by the light of hope, and now, guided by the transformative power of the peace bestowed upon us through Christ.

As we tread the sacred path of Advent, our hearts resonate with the promise of peace—a promise that goes beyond mere tranquility to a profound sense of well-being rooted in Christ. The flickering flame of the Peace candle reminds us that peace is not passive but a dynamic force that engages our hearts and minds. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) illuminates this truth: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

To experience God’s peace is to engage in a continual conversation with the One who is the source of peace. It is an active surrender, a laying down of our worries at the feet of our Savior, and an acknowledgment that true peace is found in communion with Him. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us be intentional about cultivating this peace within ourselves and sharing it with a world hungering for solace.

As we bask in the glow of the Peace candle, we find ourselves at the culmination of this Advent reflection—a journey marked by the flickering light of hope, the profound depth of peace, and the transformative power of Christ's presence. This journey isn't a mere observance but an immersion into the sacred rhythm of anticipation, a rhythm that resonates with the promise of God’s peace.

The story of Advent, written in the language of candles and scriptures, whispers to our hearts of a Savior born in a humble manger, heralding the truest and purest form of hope for the world. The flicker of each candle, a testament to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, invites us to stand on the precipice of expectation, acknowledging that Christ is indeed the embodiment of our deepest longings—the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love we seek.

As we conclude this time of reflection, let us stand firm in His grace. This grace, a boundless reservoir of God’s unmerited favor, is our anchor amid the changing tides of life. It beckons us to stand unwavering, rooted in the assurance that the plans God has for us are plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

The Advent journey doesn't end here; it continues in the days ahead. As we carry the essence of hope and peace into our homes, communities, and beyond, let us be living testimonies to the transformative power of the birth of Jesus—the truest and purest form of hope that has graced our world.

May the light of hope, peace, joy, and love continue to shine brightly within each of us. As we stand firm in His grace, anchored by the radiant promises of hope, may the peace, love, and joy of Christ fill our hearts abundantly.

Second Sunday of Advent - Love

During the holidays, I hear one word used in many different contexts and situations. It can be used to describe the feeling you get when you have a piece of cake or pie. The word can be used to describe the feeling you have when you find the perfect gift for someone. I am sure you have figured out what word I am talking about. The word, “love”, is used quite often and, in my opinion, overused to describe some of the most mundane of things. 

I can understand the excitement and feelings of individuals when talking about food, gifts or whatever else. When we describe our excitement for such items and our feelings, we invariably come back to that word to try to convey our deep feelings for whatever we are trying to describe.

The Greek language has several different words that convey certain levels of love. The one that is almost used exclusively when describing God’s love for us is agape. This love has no conditions attached to it. It is undeserved love and is the highest form of love possible. This love is almost alien to us and we cannot adequately fathom its depth or even try to understand its true meaning.

The noted British writer and Anglican lay theologian, C. S. Lewis, studied the word, “love”, in the Bible in Greek. He determined that there were four types of love called out in the scripture. Agape love is essentially God’s love. His love is undeserved, gracious and sacrificial.

Christmas reminds us of His love. He gave His one and only son, Jesus, to the world as His gift of love to us. That love was undeserved. Later in life, that love takes on the sacrificial aspect of the word. Jesus showed agape love while he was on the cross and took on the sins of the world. 

In chapter two of his first epistle, John writes, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

The love offered and understood by the world means nothing and is nothing. When the world refers to love, it refers to the carnal and lustful aspect. This love craves and desires things that are of this world. It concerns itself with pride in the things we create for ourselves. It is not God’s love at all. It is the sinful love of possession and achievements. All of those things will pass away in time and just become part of the noise of a chaotic world.

As Christians, we should not love or crave the things of this world. That sort of “love” leads to destruction and ultimately spiritual death. Our love for God and for each other should be pure, willful and sacrificial. This love intentionally desires another’s highest good.

Alyssa Roat, in an article for Christianity.com, wrote, “Agape love does not come naturally to us in our sinful state. However, it does come naturally to God and is an integral part of Him. By drawing closer to Him and experiencing His love, we can begin to understand what this real love means. Only through Him can we show and experience agape love.”

Paul, in chapter thirteen of his first epistle to the church in Corinth, writes, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

He goes on further to write, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

From our perspective and the sinful lens of this world, that sort of love is completely alien and cannot be understood. Our sinful heart is unable to express agape love. We only know and understand the more carnal form of love. We crave and desire only the things that bring us pleasure. However, a gift was given to the world that changed all of that. That gift came in the form of a small child wrapped in cloth and resting on hay in a manger. 

From that humble beginning, Jesus not only embodied God’s love but also taught us the deeper meaning of love. He taught us about agape love. When he was crucified and left on a cross to die, he did that out of agape love for each of us. 

When we accept this wonderful gift of love and salvation from God, we are transformed and we begin to truly understand the nature and have an idea of the depth of God’s love. God is infinite in understanding and in love for us.

As you go through this second week of Advent, I ask you to think about God’s love and what He did for you. Think about the transformation of your heart when it comes to loving not only Him but also those around you. I also ask you to show God’s love in your life.

John, in chapter three, writes, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.”

With the economy the way that it is and food banks running low on many things, we should show our love by helping and loving those in need. Don’t just say that you love them. Faith is believing and acting. 

Act out of Christian love and give to those who may not have a merry Christmas. Christmas is not just a single day out of 365. It is the love that fills the year and is given every day. When you show agape love to those around you, you are reflecting God’s love into the world and standing firm in His grace.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Second Sunday of Advent - Evening Reading

Matthew 3:1-12 New Living Translation (NLT)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

3 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.[a]” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”[b]

4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize,[c] he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize with[d] water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.[e] 12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

Footnotes:

1. 3:2 Or has come, or is coming soon.
2. 3:3 Isa 40:3 (Greek version).
3. 3:7 Or coming to be baptized.
4. 3:11a Or in.
5. 3:11b Or in the Holy Spirit and in fire.

Second Sunday of Advent - Morning Reading

Isaiah 11:1-10 New Living Translation (NLT)

A Branch from David’s Line

 Out of the stump of David’s family[a] will grow a shoot—
    yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 He will delight in obeying the Lord.
    He will not judge by appearance
    nor make a decision based on hearsay.
4 He will give justice to the poor
    and make fair decisions for the exploited.
The earth will shake at the force of his word,
    and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.
5 He will wear righteousness like a belt
    and truth like an undergarment.

6 In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;
    the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,
    and a little child will lead them all.
7 The cow will graze near the bear.
    The cub and the calf will lie down together.
    The lion will eat hay like a cow.
8 The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.
    Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.
9 Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,
    for as the waters fill the sea,
    so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.

10 In that day the heir to David’s throne[b]
    will be a banner of salvation to all the world.
The nations will rally to him,
    and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.[c]

Footnotes:

1. 11:1 Hebrew the stump of the line of Jesse. Jesse was King David’s father.
2. 11:10a Hebrew the root of Jesse.
3. 11:10b Greek version reads In that day the heir to David’s throne [literally the root of Jesse] will come, / and he will rule over the Gentiles. / They will place their hopes on him. Compare Rom 15:12.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Second Sunday of Advent - Preparation

As we continue toward one of the blessed days in a Christian’s life, Christmas, we will be looking at the second day of the Advent season. This is the Sunday devoted to preparation. We are to prepare our minds and hearts for the coming of the Christ child. It is important for each of us to prepare not only for the holiday but also for the blessed event of the word that became  flesh and dwelt among us.

Second Day of Advent - Peace (Closing Prayer)

Dearest most gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for gift of Your son, Christ Jesus. In accordance with Your divine plan, you prepared the way for his birth and, through that glorious plan, you gave us the gift of salvation. 

The preparation that took place so long ago still occurs today in our hearts. We prepare him room in our hearts and welcome him. As we continue to prepare, we receive yet another gift, a gift of peace. Knowing what You have done for us and continue to do for us brings us a wonderful peace.

Thank you, O Lord, for all of the gifts.

Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace (Message)

Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns' message discusses how preparation brings peace.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace (Special Music)

As we have prepared his way into our world of darkness, let us rejoice in the coming of the Peace of Peace.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace (Prelude)

Today begins the Second Sunday of Advent. The Second Sunday is dedicated to peace. Not just peace for the world, but a peace that we need so desperately in our lives. We need a peace that surpasses all understanding. For those who are lost and alone, we pray for that peace in knowing someone cares.

Peace for a restless world should be our prayer.

Second Sunday of Advent - Gospel Reading

The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Advent comes from John 2:1-11.

John 2:1-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

2 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace (New Testament Reading)

The New Testament reading for the Second Sunday of Advent comes from Paul's letter to the church in Corinth.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

12 Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. 2 You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. 3 So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace (Psalm Reading)

The Psalm reading for the Second Sunday of Advent is Psalm 36:5-10.

Psalm 36:5-10 New Living Translation (NLT)

5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;

    your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

    your justice like the ocean depths.

You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.

7     How precious is your unfailing love, O God!

All humanity finds shelter

    in the shadow of your wings.

8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,

    letting them drink from your river of delights.

9 For you are the fountain of life,

    the light by which we see.

10 Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you;

    give justice to those with honest hearts.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace (Old Testament Reading)

The Old Testament Scripture reading for the Second Sunday of Advent comes from the Isaiah 62:1-5.

Isaiah 62:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Isaiah’s Prayer for Jerusalem

62 Because I love Zion,

    I will not keep still.

Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem,

    I cannot remain silent.

I will not stop praying for her

    until her righteousness shines like the dawn,

    and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.

2 The nations will see your righteousness.

    World leaders will be blinded by your glory.

And you will be given a new name

    by the Lord’s own mouth.

3 The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—

    a splendid crown in the hand of God.

4 Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City”

    or “The Desolate Land.”

Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight”

    and “The Bride of God,”

for the Lord delights in you

    and will claim you as his bride.

5 Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem,

    just as a young man commits himself to his bride.

Then God will rejoice over you

    as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.