Advent Reflections - December 13

Peace

“All this took place to fulfill

what the Lord had said

through the prophet: “The

virgin will conceive and give

birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

Matthew 1:22-24

Reflection

Peace is somewhat of a priceless commodity these days.  Let’s face it. We live in chaotic and uncertain times with most of the circumstances that surround us inducing anything but peace. From continuing threats of political instability, terrorism and war to blatant injustice, singing “peace on earth” can seem to be empty words. Especially during the Christmas Season, peace is something that can easily elude us. Images of joyful family Christmas dinners, warm fireplaces and happy children around a Christmas tree can seem to resemble more of a Norman Rockwell painting rather than reality.

One of the greatest misconceptions in today’s culture is the misinterpretation peace. Most often, we confuse “peace” with the haphazard emotion of “happiness”. Happiness is an emotion that stems from the circumstances around us; peace is an emotion that rises above them. Peace transcends the circumstances of life and determines how we react. In fact, one could say that peace is more of a state of mind rather than a feeling or sentiment. Peace comes when we relinquish control of that which cannot be controlled. 

In the words of Matthew 1:22-24, we read of a situation that may have seemed overwhelming, confusing and filled with fear and uncertainty. Joseph could have awoken from his dream in sheer panic, argued with God and run from the circumstances that were thrust upon him. He could have legally divorced Mary and would have been completely justified by culture and faith. After all, from all earthly perspectives, she had cheated on him and was pregnant with another man’s child. Who would blame him for bailing out? 

This reveals much about how Joseph reacted to his circumstances. From our point of view, Joseph didn’t argue, question or choose to panic over the news God gave him. He didn’t run, get angry or blame anyone for what was going on. Instead he chose not to react to his circumstances, but submitted to that which could not be controlled. He accepted how his life was about to radically change, and as far as we can tell, he had peace.

 Let it be our prayer today that we react in the same manner to the sometimes uncontrollable circumstances of life.

        

Prayer

God, we confess that sometimes we react to our circumstances with fear, anger or panic. It is in these times that we lose hold of the peace that you want for each and every one of us. May we take hold of your peace and let it overwhelm us, rather than the troubles of life.

Amen