Day Eight: Advent asks us to realize peace in God's Hope (Isaiah 43:1-2)

(While Shepherds watched their flocks)

Day Eight: Advent asks us to realize peace in God's Hope.

Isaiah 43:1-2 "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

There is a difference between hearts and minds which are under control and those which are at peace. The difference is observed in moments of chaos, suffering, trials and turmoil. The controlled heart seeks through will power to restore calm and quiet. The premise of the Bible is that peace filled hearts persist at all times, even within the chaos, tumults and storms of life. What is the opposite of peace? Many people would answer adversity, strife, anarchy, hurt and war. What the world calls peace is something that can be restored, brokered, imposed and kept through acts devised by reason and implemented according to human will. But biblical peace exists only in and because of God - it "surpasses all understanding." God works to transform our hearts and minds. Peace is the condition of a transformed heart. Peace therefore exists even in adversity, strife, anarchy, hurt and war. When all is chaos and loss, peace persists. Peace allows the Martyrs to call death victory. Peace allowed Paul to count his loss and suffering as gain (2 Corinthians 11). Peace is knowing we are blessed even when we are hated and persecuted as we bear witness of Christ. Peace keeps us together and whole when circumstances would scatter and tear us apart.

As we contemplate peace we must fight the urge to hear this word in terms of "me" and "my" tranquility. Know God's peace rather as the condition of hearts and minds transformed in the truth of Jesus Christ.

So we journey in this second week of Advent hearing the Angel's words "Fear not" as a declaration of peace to all people who seek the Christ of Christmas.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."