The Peace Of Advent

 I’m Rev Jay Stuart Glover and you are listening to Faith Talk. Today  we’re reflecting on the theme of peace during the second Sunday of Advent. In many Christian traditions, this week focuses on the peace that comes with the arrival of Christ. But this peace is not just about the absence of conflict or violence—it's much deeper than that. It’s about a holistic peace that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.

Advent is a season of expectation and waiting—the waiting for Christ to come into the world, and with Him, the peace that only He can bring. The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the Messiah to come, says this: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NRSV)

Notice that Isaiah doesn’t describe peace as merely the cessation of war or turmoil. The peace of Christ is a peace that touches every dimension of our existence—our thoughts, our relationships, and our physical well-being.

But what does this peace look like in our everyday lives? How can we experience this peace in a world that often feels chaotic and divided

Let's start with peace of mind. In our modern world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant noise—both external and internal. The rush of the holiday season, the demands of work and family, the anxiety of daily life—it can all leave us feeling mentally drained and stressed.

The peace that Christ offers isn’t just a fleeting sense of calm, but a deep, abiding stillness that transcends circumstances. Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

This peace of mind is grounded in the trust that God is in control, that we are not alone, and that we can rest in His presence. 

Advent is a time to pause and reflect on the promise that, no matter what our minds may be consumed with, we are held in the hands of a God who offers true peace—peace that surpasses understanding.

Next, let’s talk about peace in the body. Many of us carry stress in our bodies—tension in our shoulders, headaches, fatigue, or even more serious health concerns related to the pressures of life. Advent invites us to consider how peace can bring healing to our physical selves as well.

The peace that Christ offers is not just spiritual; it is holistic. In the Gospels, we see Jesus healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and even raising the dead. These acts of healing aren’t just miracles—they point to the deeper truth that Christ came to restore the whole person.

This might mean learning to slow down, taking time for rest, seeking out medical care when needed, and being mindful of the ways in which we care for our physical selves. After all, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and God desires wholeness for us, in every way.

Now we come to the peace within our spirit. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation—a time to reflect on the coming of Christ into our lives, and the reconciliation that His presence brings. The birth of Jesus is the ultimate sign that God desires peace with humanity, and through Christ, we are invited into a restored relationship with God.

This spiritual peace is not just the absence of guilt or shame, but the presence of reconciliation, joy, and a deep sense of belonging in God's family. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14, “For he is our peace, in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.”

Through Christ, we are invited into a peace that heals broken relationships—both with God and with one another. This peace is a source of deep joy and is the foundation for living as agents of peace in the world.

So, what does it mean to embrace the peace of Advent in our lives? It means seeking peace not just in the absence of conflict but in the restoration of our entire being—our minds, bodies, and spirits. It means finding moments of stillness to connect with God, allowing His peace to calm our anxious thoughts. It means caring for our bodies and seeking healing where it’s needed, whether that’s through rest, physical activity, or medical care. And it means allowing the peace of Christ to heal and reconcile our relationships—with God, with others, and even within ourselves.

This holistic peace is what Advent is truly about. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we are invited to receive the peace He offers and to live it out in every area of our lives.

Prayer: 

Lord, as we journey through this Advent season, we ask that you fill our minds with your peace, our bodies with your healing, and our spirits with your joy. May the peace that surpasses understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Help us to live as people of peace, reflecting your love and healing to the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I’m Rev Jay Stuart Glover and you have been listening to Faith Talk.

These episodes are available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, You Tube and other podcast platforms. Please share with friends and family, and may the peace that God brings be with you now and forever. 

God bless you Amen