The Fourth Sunday Of Advent 2019

We light this candle as a symbol of the Prince of Peace.

May the visitation of Your Holy Spirit, O God, make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful,

Counselor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it with judgment

and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

the zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 10:6-7

All around us there is turmoil. The twenty-four hour news cycle never ceases to inform us of all the trouble in the world. They sprinkle in a few “feel good” human interest stories here and there but for the most part the news is not positive nor uplifting. I have learned to take frequent breaks from the media coverage and that includes social media. For if you listen long enough you will suffer anxiety and stress. There will be no peace.

However, when you turn off the television, the computer, the phone and any other device you might have access to you can decompress.

Keep a regular quiet time, a time apart with God. Read His Word. Meditate on the scriptures. Talk with Him about your day. Listen to hear what He has to tell you. I find that my day goes much better when I take the time early in the morning before I begin my daily schedule.

If you make your time with the Lord a priority you will find the peace that passes all understanding. All around you may be chaos but you can remain anchored in the Lord.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again, and receive you unto myself;

that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14:1-3

These words from the gospel of John were spoken as Jesus encouraged his disciples on the night of his betrayal. In spite of what was about to take place Jesus wanted to assure them of his presence always. I find great comfort in his words in verse 27 of that chapter:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

As we light the candle of Peace let us remember the Source of our Peace!