Advent: The Presence of Peace

“How am I supposed to have peace when my life is such a mess?” “….when my child won’t talk to me?”
“…when my loved one is gone forever?” “…when the world is so filled with darkness?” 

These are fair questions. I’ve asked them. You may have too. Or someone close to you has – or is asking them right now.  

In his Messianic prophecy, Isaiah foretold Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
In their majestic announcement of Jesus’s arrival, the angels proclaimed there would now be “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14).
When Jesus was departing this earth, he left his disciples with this encouraging message: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, TLB). 

As we approach Christmas, our culture is increasingly interested in peace. People who don’t acknowledge Jesus as the Prince of Peace still send greeting cards proclaiming ‘peace on earth.’ 

In the Institute, we talk about peace all year. Courageous Peacemaking is one of our six core values. And all our advanced student leaders participate in peacemaking courses and coaching. They learn that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God in it. 

During Advent, we celebrate this world-changing idea. Jesus – the Prince of Peace – was born into a world full of conflict to be Emmanuel… with us.   

My husband was a big country music fan. One of his favorite’s was Carrie Underwood. A few years ago, we went to the iconic Ryman Theater in Nashville, Tennessee to see the Grand Ole Opry at Christmastime. And of course, to see Carrie. He was already having a great deal of difficulty walking, but he was determined to get himself all the way inside the theater, through a crowded corridor, and down the steps and the sloping aisle to his seat for that concert. 

That night, Carrie reminded us in song about the peace we can have not only for ourselves, but that we can share with others. We can be people who speak peace. 

Take a few minutes to bask in the message of this song, sung by Carrie Underwood. You don’t have to be a fan of country music to appreciate this message. It touches on each of the themes of Advent: hope, peace, love, and joy; but especially peace. 

Peace to you this Christmas season, 

Teresa

Wondering how your students can become Courageous Peacemakers? Start their journey with the Institute for Cultural Communicators.

Dr. Teresa Moon, founding President and CEO of the Institute for Cultural Communicators, is an internationally-recognized seminar speaker, education consultant, author, and leadership coach. Each year, she travels globally equipping students, teachers, and parents to become “cultural communicators,” transforming ordinary students into extraordinary communicators and authentic leaders.