-Steve Timberlake, 2018

Of all the things we long for, I believe peace finds itself close to the top. Looking around us, we see little signs of peace while the stories that are “trending or breaking” from the news media offer little hope of peace. Often looking for peace in the busyness of our lives leads us to submit to life without peace.

 We sometimes think that to have peace all our problems and struggles need to go away, and everyone learns to get along. This is not a bad thought, but maybe this is looking in the wrong direction for peace.

For me, peace comes when I settle down, take a few deep breaths and reflect on God’s goodness, His mercy, and His gift of salvation through His Son Jesus. Then peace comes. Oh yes, life’s circumstances are still difficult, but they can’t rob me of God’s gift of peace.

In this season of Advent may we all unwrap God’s Gift of peace.

From John 14: 27  “Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

To quote my Latin teacher “Pax vobiscum”!