Peace On Earth
2003 Advent Devotional Collection
Monday, December 8
Reading for Today: Psalm 122:6-8
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they prosper who love you! Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers! For my brethren and companions sake I will say, peace be within you.
Reading these words from Psalm 122 helps me to think about
Jerusalem today and the many troubles in this world. Oh, for “the
peace within your walls and security within your towers!” We pray
often for peace for the world and for ourselves. We wonder how people
can live in such unsettled towns and countries. But haven’t we been
in unsettled times in recent years? Don’t we have many questions
about our future and the uncertainties we sense may be coming?
However, we know that Jesus was born for the world and for
us. We know that it doesn’t matter if we worry or not. Let “Peace
be within you.” Let this peace surround you as well as being in you.
During Advent this may be more difficult for some than for others. How
one approaches the Advent season and getting ready for Christmas tests
our good humor and may stress us. By stepping back and looking at the
situation that stresses us, we can regain our sensibilities and curtail
unnecessary activities. (That is easier said than done.) Making things
simpler and more focused on “Peace on Earth” can make life better
for everyone. Changing things from the way they have always been done
to a new way can enable one to have more time to reflect on the birth
of Jesus.
One of the tangible reminders of the “Peace of God
on Earth” that touches me is “Passing the Peace” at the
end of ChristCare Stitchers meetings. We hug one another and say, “The
Peace of God be with you,” and the other person says, “And with
you.” It is a wonderful way to end our work time and a nice transition
to re-enter our own world. Trying to live the “Peace on Earth”
is a BIG challenge.
Are you ready to have “Peace on Earth” in your daily life? Who helps you to do this? May the peace of God be with you.
Prayer for Today:
May the peace of God be with us during this Advent season. May God’s
blessings and joy be reflected in all that I do this day and in the next
weeks. Amen.
Jane L. F.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336