A Peaceful Glow

The following post comes from "Traditions," an Advent devotional with contributions made by writers at Broadway United Methodist Church. To download "Traditions," go to http://www.broadwayunited.org/.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled; neither let them be afraid. 

Once the hours of Thanksgiving had passed, I would excitedly beg my parents to bring the Christmas tree down from the attic. Soon my brother and I were eagerly digging through boxes of handmade ornaments and untangling lights.

My parents would have to drag me to bed that night because I was determined to sleep under the Christmas tree, gazing up at its web of sparkling colors. In the quiet darkness, those twinkling lights washed a sense of peace over my soul. Despite the worries of my childish mind or fears I felt over snippets of news reports, a baby long ago born into a poor family had come to rescue the world. As I gazed into lights reflecting off glass angels and silver stars, I also knew: He had come to rescue me.

Years later, I’m very conscious of this world’s brokenness and aware that it was also broken when the infant Jesus arrived. The night wasn’t silent, Mary’s labor wasn’t easy, and the baby did cry. Yet among the evil and tragedy darkening the roads of Bethlehem, angelic voices and a brilliant star broke through the night. Unnoticed by so many, a baby King who would overcome the world slipped to Earth.

A dark room lit only by the warmth of Christmas lights still soothes and calms my soul. Its gentle glow whispers to me that although this world isn’t peaceful, Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, is always with us.

Jesus, when we feel burdened by the troubles around us, remind us that you offer a peace greater than anything of this world. Please sooth the ache of our hearts with your peace that passes all understanding.

  

Though the traditions of Christmas might lead us to imagine an idyllic Bethlehem night, the Prince of Peace came to an Earth that was not peaceful, yet He offers us peace.