Our journey through Advent brings us to a reflection of peace. A quick description of peace might be the absence of chaos and conflict. I can tell you that one of the most peaceful moments of my day is when my two youngest children are asleep in their beds. A quick jaunt to the nearest hobby store, and you might find a rustic plaque with script writing that declares, “Peace on Earth.” It doesn’t take much research for us to find the opposite is the harsh reality of our world. Which brings us to the question: If Jesus comes to bring “Peace on Earth,” why is there so much violence and conflict?
The two songs we will use as reference points are “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Each song provides a unique perspective on the peace that God inaugurates through the life of Jesus. In “O Come,” we will see the Christmas story of Luke described in 3 stanzas and a major key. In “God Rest,” we will go through 3 stanzas of a song in a minor key. It is a beautiful illustration that Christ is our peace amid our joy and sadness.
When the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Christ, he said, “And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end.” God has established his rule of peace through Jesus. The next step is for us to live into that peace on his terms, not ours. It is then that we will find the peace that we are looking for.
Scripture References
Action Step
In moments where you feel like there is conflict, meditate on the peace Jesus wants to bring.
This week’s hymns
Traditional Versions
Contemporary Versions
Accompanying Playlist
All hymns referenced throughout the series found in one spot. Some versions are traditional. Others…not so much. Enjoy!
Living Simply With God 