As we enter the holiday season and the second week of Advent, where are we practicing peace?
In any other year, this week's devotion would be focused on centering ourselves in a season of immense hustle and bustle. Of quieting ourselves in a world of feverish shopping for the perfect gifts, and sneaking calming moments between getting the whole household packed and ready for holiday vacations and trips to visit family and friends. And maybe some of that is still our world this year, but much of it isn't.
This year should have allowed us to have the least distractions we've ever had for taking care of ourselves. After all, we've spent much of it at home (whether by choice or not) and many of us have gotten the most time around our families we've had in years - if not ever. Yet the anxiety and distraction of the unknown, and the fact that our ability to be present with those in our own household is a muscle that probably had a bit too much atrophy before March, has left so many of us feeling more worn down at the start than we would typically feel at the end of even the busiest holiday season.
This week we invite you to practice peace. Now, more than ever, we need the daily reminder of the peace that is offered in the coming Christ child.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 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.
Philippians 4:4-7
What are the ways each of us can find times for peace in our own daily lives?
How might we better equip others to experience being at peace?
Which ways are we simply adding onto our own stress levels or the anxieties of others when we could instead be looking for paths to peaceful moments?
Activity & Prayer:
Each day this week, pick a Psalm to read and pray in silence or out loud, even with other members of your household if you'd like. If you have a favorite Psalm, use that. Let us recommend Psalm 46, Psalm 116, or Psalm 121 as additional options. Pray your Psalm three times in a row, focusing each time on being present in the peace of the Word of the living God. Amen.