Today, we wrap up our commemoration of Advent. This is a season of reflection on that first Christmas when Jesus was born and great anticipation of His second coming. On this fourth day of Advent, we light the peace candle, also known as the angel’s candle. Their message to the shepherds that night was, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.”
Jesus came to bring us closer to God and to each other. This doesn’t mean there will be an absence of war and conflict. Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace, I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. [i]Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor [j]fearful.”
He could make that promise because He was leaving the Holy Spirit to live in all believers as their source of peace, even in a troubled world.
When I speak to the men and women we serve at our two shelters, the subject of peace comes up a lot. For many, the trauma of living on the streets has taken its toll. For a variety of reasons, many have no family or friends to turn to and they are at the end of the road. That’s a tough place to be, especially during the holidays.
Our goal is to provide a peaceful place for them to escape to and a listening ear if they want to share. We want them to feel safe and loved. But it’s not always so. As hard as we try, the distractions and influences of the streets enter our shelters. Fights break out, words are said and tempers flare. It’s anything but peaceful. Even though these times are rare, we strive to always respond with grace. I can’t honestly say we always get it right, but we try.
In Philippians 4:6-7, it says, “Do not [e]be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all [f]comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Just like the world, the peace we strive for at Faith Mission and Faith Refuge is sometimes allusive, but we can always count on God to guard the peace in hearts. When we pray with a thankful heart and give our requests to Him, His peace is beyond all human understanding.
Merry Christmas and may God’s peace rest on you.
