Printable PDF of Today’s Reflection

Sometimes it seems that the world we live in is very confusing and definitely not peaceful. With all the negativity, disagreements, and conflict that seem to be out there, it is no wonder that we can feel a sense of despair the lack of peacefulness around us.  So, I think it would be helpful during this season of Advent to reflect on the things that Jesus came to do for us.  One of the most beautiful things that he came to do is to bring us peace.

Because of Jesus, no matter what we have gone through we can still experience peace in our lives. Because of him we can even experience peace when we’re right in the middle of tough challenges and hard times. We can have a depth of peace—God’s peace—that surpasses all understanding.

In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.Jesus was telling us not to be anxious and fearful about the things that are going on in the world.  He was reassuring us that his peace is not like the temporary peace that the world offers.  What Jesus offers us is permanent, eternal peace that comes from him is a peace that passes all understanding.  It is the peace of God that we can’t even fully comprehend. That peace can calm the most troubled waters and bring new light into the dark moments of our lives.

In Luke 2, An angel appeared to shepherds in a field as they watched over their sheep.  The angel told them about the birth of Jesus.  And the angel and a multitude of heavenly host praised God and said in v.14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men.” Keep this in mind when things get troubled around you. Jesus came and brought peace and that peace is always with us. Let’s embrace that truth, the truth of peace, and do our best to share that peace and show good will towards one another.

Minister Sandra Welch is a Minister at the Potter’s House Christian Community in Niagara Falls, NY and a Respite Assistant at Community Missions.

Submitted: December 8, 202
Photo by Charles Clegg. “Peace on Earth”. Stained glass in Cardross Parish Church, Cardross, Scotland, United Kingdom. https://flic.kr/p/fHiLGq