Peace

The angels sang "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," to the shepherds. Jesus brings peace. Psalms 34 tell us to seek peace and pursue it.

This week, my plan is to pursue peace because it looks like a whirlwind coming. Last week, I found a reason for joy every day. A couple of days it was small but I found something. Tuesday, I have a rehearsal and a concert. Thursday I am going to collect Aaron from the airport and run him around a little. I will be doing some cooking/baking/cleaning/organizing as I prepare for next Sunday's party with the whole family. I can see how many things I have to do. My heart is already jumping ahead of me. I already feel like I'm running behind.

We define peace as an absence of stress, noise and difficulty. We see it as a manger with a baby and his parents. Having a child born away from home in a barn is not a peaceful circumstance. What they had was God's peace in the midst of their circumstances. That's different than having peace where there are no interruptions or responsibilities. It's easy to have a peaceful day if you have nothing to do and nowhere to go. You can shut off the phone; you can ignore the door; you can sit in the living room without the television on. That can be peaceful. Sometimes it's not, though, because you carry swirling thoughts and emotions around with you. There's no pressure from outside; it comes from inside.

The Christmas baby brings peace. Jesus told his disciples: I leave peace to you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be timid. This is my hook for this week.