I’ve led worship for almost 40 years and still feel like I am sitting in the pew sometimes, wondering what to make of the first couple of Sundays in Advent. Those Old Testament prophets with their dark messages of the future, the Gospel readings that seem like doom and gloom; how do they help us look forward to the joy of that baby born who will bring us the hope, peace, joy, and love that we lift up on Sundays as we light the Advent wreath candles?
Especially this year as I am still reeling from the loss of my husband. And yet, it is this year more than others that I need that word of hope, that word of peace, that word of joy, and love.
So, in retirement, as I lead worship in four different churches this Advent season, I look for the Good News – for myself as well as for those among whom I will worship.
What I find, I have known all along – that the message of Advent has to be heard in order to know the peace of Christ.
Peace–the word for this week. Advent calls us to seek peace among ourselves, within ourselves, to know God’s peace.
Having raised five children, peace was not always possible in our house. Fighting broke out, either among the siblings or was evident in their relationships with friends. There was always something. It was the parents’ job to help try to find ways to bring peace; “say ‘You’re sorry.’, ‘Forgive your brother/friend.’ ‘Let’s talk about what really is upsetting you.’” It was never-ending. Somehow, we managed to get through it till next time. But each time, it ended with all being friends again. There was never an offense that was so great that it kept them from forgiving and moving on.
Peace–it is what we crave, what we need, what we hope for. And Advent shows us how it comes. In spite of all that is happening, all that we have experienced, we have the promise of Christmas that brings us peace; maybe not the way we expect it, but the way we need it.
So this Advent, I will look forward to the hope, peace, joy, and love that is promised. Perhaps like never before.
