Advent Week Two: Peace
By: Caleb Schluep, Adventure Specialist & Guide Director
I set down my tarp and sleeping bag and started to set up my little campsite on the hilltop that would serve as my home for the next 36 hours. I was on a backpacking trip in the Texas desert and had just been given my solo spot. I had a 10-foot area to sit by myself and pray, read scripture, and just be. I had no watch, so my times are likely off, but I would guess that for the first 12 hours my mind wouldn’t stop racing. The sun went down and came back up again, and my mind kept going. More time passed, and then, to my surprise, my thoughts finally slowed down and eventually stopped. Then I sat still, like truly still in mind and body, and in that space the unexpected happened. I found myself sitting in the presence of God. As I basked in the presence of my Creator, I experienced true peace for the first time. Before that moment I had seen peace as an absence of conflict, but from that moment on I knew peace as wholeness, as the very presence of God.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14 NIV)
As I think back on the anticipation of the coming Messiah, I think about the distinct lack of peace there would have been. Israel was ruled by Rome, they were oppressed, taxed unjustly, and, in general, not having a good time. This context is where a band of angles appeared and heralded the coming of the king of kings. They declared “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2: 14 NIV)
In this season of Advent, as we wait in anticipation for the celebration of the Messiah on Christmas morning, be reminded that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He came to earth and brought wholeness. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season take time to slow down, just as I did in the desert, to simply sit with God. Be reminded that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and allow that truth to define this season that easily becomes more about rushing to wrap gifts or get to the next Christmas party than the truth of living in the peace that is offered to those on whom his favor rests. When we pause long enough, we will encounter the Prince of Peace.
Prayer: Father, thank you for sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to rule in our lives. Remind us in this season of anticipation and preparation to pause and allow your peace to rule in our lives. Amen.