Peace: Absence or Presence - Advent 2

There are a few fundamental ideals that all people long for, and each of them is addressed within the advent season. Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. This second week of advent we’ve been reflecting on peace. Peace is often described as a goal or state of being for people, but often with other words such as serenity, calm, rest, zen, clarity, stillness... I’m sure you can think of a few other words or phrases that reflect a similar idea. We want inner peace as well as peace in our relationships, in our workplaces, in our neighbourhoods and in our world. And most of us are willing to try whatever techniques, tips, books, practices (spiritual, relaxation, meditative, etc) or otherwise so that we can expand our sense of peace within, and in what we offer of ourselves to the world around us. One of the common misconceptions about peace, though, is that it requires an absence of something in order to be achieved. That to have peace there must be an absence of war, or strife, or conflict, or fear, or anger. That I must empty myself of negativity, bitterness, judgemental thoughts, jealousy, etc, And once those sort of disturbances are released or removed, then peace will come. This isn’t entirely wrong... but it’s also not entirely right. Which may be why you have often felt that true peace is elusive, and maybe even unattainable.

I don’t believe that peace can only exist when it’s opposite is absent. I believe that true peace, the kind that we desperately need, is actually available in the midst of fear, strife, conflict, war and anger. Peace is more about presence than it is about absence.

In John 14:26-27 Jesus promises his followers a peace and a presence that is different than what they had known to this point. He promises them a lasting internal peace that would come with the presence of his Holy Spirit withIN them. Not just near them or around them, but as close to them as they themselves are. And this offer of peace extends to you. This is not a peace like the world promises or that our human desire chases after. Philippians 4:7 says that the peace he offers is one that is beyond our understanding. It is supernatural peace. You can’t earn it, strive for it, achieve it, or transcend to it. It is peace that can only be received, as a gift, through connection with Jesus. Him being with you, and you choosing to be with him.

Last month I heard a beautiful teaching on the four songs of Christmas by Rev. Darrell Johnson at Levite Summit. One thing in particular stood out to me from Luke 2:14 when the angels lit up the sky above the shepherds. They worshipped God, and as God is given glory, His peace extends to humankind. When we choose to put ourselves in God’s presence, the automatic result is that we experience supernatural peace. When we worship Him, when we acknowledge His holiness, His love, His mercy, His goodness, and offer Him our fears, anger, strife, conflict and war, we receive His peace. Worship of Him ushers in peace.

So, if you’ve been looking for peace, and you’ve tried it all, the Holy Spirit is whispering to you, to receive Jesus. In his presence is all that you have been searching for. Open up your hands and your heart and allow his Spirit to speak peace into all those unsettled places in your soul, and find rest in his presence.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7