Peace is another of those words associated with Christmas that means something different to almost everyone. Here are some things I think of when I hear or read the word "peace":
I long for peace on cold mornings when I hear the neighbor's dog bark rings clearly through the bare trees and crisp cold air during winter (stupid beagle).
I long for peace as a turn something over and over in my mind every day until I'm just tired of thinking about it and wish it would stop haunting me.
I feel peace as I enjoy the freedom that I've been experiencing lately.
I wish peace for people that work in jobs with the public that seem to have little to no interest in helping people like me.
I think of the song "Peace of Mind" by Boston. I've listened to that song since the 1980s and love to crank it up while I'm driving. I usually sing the lyrics to the song and thought I knew them, but I learned today that the words are a little different that what I've always thought they were. I've always thought the second line in chorus was something like "but I don't care whatever gets you high", but the actual line is "but I don't care if I get behind." Weird how that happens.
And even though I feel kind of silly admitting that about the lyrics I still have my peace of mind :-)
The Bible teaches that as an adult Jesus told his disciples "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." (John 14:27 https://shorturl.at/chUQl) As a disciple this verse comforts me and helps me feel peace. Though I'm not very good at it I try to focus on this as some of the things in my life disturb my peace. His peace is so much better than mine!
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the modern Christmas experience I hope you take some time to enjoy some good music, spend some time with friends and family, and contemplate what the birth of a baby they named Yeshua (or Jesus) over 2000 years ago means to you today.
Bonus material:
Prince of Peace - Celtic Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr2RG-xR2lA
Peace of Mind by Boston:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edwk-8KJ1Js
#advent #christmas
