Receiving and Sharing Peace

Advent is the season that brings us to looking towards the Messiah, the Bringer of Peace. We are called during this season to pause and put all our focus on God, who brings us peace. Jesus tells us over and over again that we should never be afraid because he came to bring peace for us all. It is our job to find within us the peace that Christ has given us, so that we can share our peace with everyone around us. I believe one of the best passages that displays Christ's peace is Psalm 85:8-13. 

"I will hear what God the Lord will say;

For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;

But let them not turn back to folly.

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

That glory may dwell in our land.

Loving kindness and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth springs from the earth,

And righteousness looks down from heaven.

Indeed, the Lord will give what is good,

And our land will yield its produce.

Righteousness will go before Him

And will make His footsteps into a way."

Repentance is one of the main concepts that will bring us peace. Advent is a season of penance, and there is peace in the penance we receive from God. It is so important that we focus on repenting during this season because our burdens and sins can easily get in the way of what is most important- us being able to embrace Jesus. Jesus is so willing to give us peace, and he opens his arms out wide for us to embrace him once we repent. However, if we want to take that step towards peace and embracing Jesus, we must be willing to repent. Once we do we will be filled with God's peace, and then it is our job to share the peace with the world. Despite all of the hate and brokenness in this world, God will always offer us peace. He will always be the first to forgive us, and he will always be the first one to bring us peace in the midst of all our battles and storms because he loves us that much! 

Much love, 

Gracie