advent: peace

the theme for the second week of advent is 'peace'. as we wrap up this week and get ready to jump into the third (joy) tomorrow, i have a lot of thoughts around this simple word.

traditionally, peace is the absence of war (or conflict).

in the old testament, the hebrew word for peace is 'shalom'. shalom represents something that is in a state of completeness or wholeness. shalom can refer to a person's well being in mind, body, and spirit. an individual's 'shalom' breaks down if something is out of alignment.

true shalom requires taking what is broken and restoring it to a state of wholeness. the prophet isaiah looked forward to a future king for israel, a Prince of Shalom. He would be a king that would bring a reign of shalom with no end. Jesus restored to wholeness the broken relationship between humans and God.

from a larger societal stand point, it's obvious that our world is anything but a place of peace. we are nanoseconds from world war three. our nation is divided. 2020's pandemic sent the world into a mental health crisis. sex trafficking is happening in our cities. we have seen an increase in homeless populations. and the list goes on. and on. and on. i'm not sure what is more overwhelming to me: the state of society or thinking about the rapture...

it's easy to let these things -- especially when some are so close to home -- disrupt my personal peace and to drag me to a place of cynicism. and to be totally honest, they have. this week, several times, i found myself asking Jesus "what's the point?". He nudged my heart with "I AM PEACE."

you see, having a relationship with Jesus gives me permission to feel my emotions {and} be at peace. it's not only a freedom from worry, but it's an enjoyment of what is good.

peace is right relationship with God.

peace is right relationship with community.

peace is internal tranquility.

this last week, peace for me has been approaching God with open hands. recognizing that in order to be in right relationship with Him, i need to let go and trust Him with my dreams and fears. in letting go, i am giving Jesus room to care for my heart -- the wounds, the new life, and the scars. i can experience Him as a Person of Peace. in trusting Him, i can be in right relationship with my community in a more meaningful way. Peace has manifested itself as the alpine glow over the mountains as the sun sets. Peace has been a hug from a friend who sees me. Peace has been a warm cup of tea to soothe the anxiety coursing through my veins. Peace has been approaching the cross with the things i've been clinging to. Peace is Jesus.

xoxo

-A