Advent Week 2 - Peace

​Growing up, watching  the annual Miss USA pageant was a must. My mom loved everything about it, but I absolutely loved the evening gowns. For a few hours, we entered a glamorous world of beautiful women, singing and dancing, and beautiful costumes. It was fun girl time! I do remember a common question and answer during the interview segment of the competition. The emcee would ask how the contestant would use her platform or how she would like to impact the world, and the answer would typically speak of achieving  “world peace.” Now, growing up just slightly after the Vietnam War, peace to me meant no fighting, no wars, no military draft, and safety. I am sure that’s also what those young ladies were referring to. But as I grew up and grew into my faith in Jesus Christ, peace took on an entirely different meaning.
When Adam and Eve defied God in the garden, their peace with God vanished. Walking and talking with God, trusting Him, and cooperating with His creation quickly ceased as they were sent out of Eden. What a dark day.
But we know our merciful God still desired humankind to be at peace with Him: for our relationship to be restored. So He designed a sacrificial system whereas His people, tarnished by sin, could offer sacrifices of animals and grains to appease His disappointment and wrathful anger. This system came with glimpses of prophecy that a one and done final sacrifice was on the horizon. God hinted at the promise of restoration through Jesus Christ all throughout the Old Testament. We are blessed to be here after the prophecy was fulfilled. We don’t have to imagine what in the world He was referring to. We know Jesus! We know His death and resurrection saved us! The Holy Spirit lives in us when we declare His lordship. God has made a way for true Peace. The Peace that passes all understanding is truly ours in Christ Jesus.
So while world peace sounds nice, it will not come to fruition in this era for this earth. True peace is found when we surrender ourselves to the One who created us. The One True God, in three persons, gives His ultimate peace to us in a beautifully wrapped package of salvation. The kingdom starts here, despite the wars and conflict. It starts in us individually and lasts for eternity. This peace makes this life bearable, allows us to share the Gospel of Christ, and gives us new life.
May we focus on God’s peace this week, as we wait in hope for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
John 14:27
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.