Second Advent: The Journey of Peace
Advent is far more than a countdown to Christmas. It is a sacred journey of spiritual preparation, a time when Christians worldwide pause to reflect on the miraculous promise of God’s redemptive plan.
As we light the second candle – the candle of peace – we are invited into a deeper understanding of God’s transformative love.
The Historical and Spiritual Significance of Advent
Rooted in centuries of Christian tradition, Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, marking a period of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus’ birth and the anticipation of His second coming. Each week carries a profound spiritual theme, with peace standing as a powerful testament to God’s ultimate reconciliation plan.
Biblical Foundations of Peace
The Prophetic Promise
The prophet Isaiah provides one of the most powerful prophetic descriptions of the coming Messiah, a passage that resonates deeply with the concept of peace:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
This prophecy, written hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, eloquently describes Jesus as the ultimate bringer of peace – not just a temporary political truce, but a profound, transformative spiritual reconciliation.
Dimensions of Peace
In Christian theology, peace – or “Shalom” in Hebrew – encompasses much more than the absence of conflict. It represents:
- Wholeness: Complete restoration of relationship with God
- Harmony: Reconciliation between humanity and the divine
- Healing: Restoration of broken relationships
- Completeness: A state of total well-being and spiritual flourishing
The Multifaceted Nature of Christ’s Peace
Personal Peace: Inner Transformation
Jesus offers a peace that fundamentally transforms our inner landscape. In John 14:27, He declares, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but rooted in an eternal, unshakeable relationship with God. It provides:
- Comfort in times of uncertainty
- Strength during personal trials
- Hope when circumstances seem overwhelming
- A supernatural calm that defies human understanding
Relational Peace: Healing Divisions
Christ’s peace is not meant to be a private, individual experience but a transformative power that heals community divisions. As followers of Christ, we are called to be “peacemakers” – actively working to restore harmony and understanding.
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
Global Peace: God’s Redemptive Plan
The peace of Christ extends beyond personal and community levels to God’s ultimate redemptive plan for all creation. It represents hope for a world fractured by conflict, misunderstanding, and sin.
Practical Advent Reflections on Peace
Spiritual Disciplines for Cultivating Peace
- Daily Prayer and Meditation
- Set aside quiet moments to listen to God
- Reflect on Scripture passages about peace
- Release anxieties and invite divine tranquility
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation
- Identify relationships that need healing
- Practice intentional forgiveness
- Seek understanding over being understood
- Community Engagement
- Look for opportunities to be a peacemaker
- Extend grace to those who differ from you
- Practice empathy and compassionate listening
The Advent Wreath: A Symbol of Progressive Peace
When we light the peace candle, we are not just performing a ritual. We are symbolically declaring our participation in God’s redemptive story. Each flickering flame represents:
- Hope for personal transformation
- Potential for healing broken relationships
- God’s ongoing work of restoration
A Prayer for the Advent Season
Heavenly Father, in this sacred season of waiting and anticipation, we open our hearts to Your peace.
Teach us to embody the peace of Christ – a peace that transcends understanding, heals wounds, and bridges divides.
Remove the barriers we’ve constructed, soften our hearts, and help us to reflect Your love in a world desperate for genuine connection.
Grant us the courage to be peacemakers, the wisdom to listen, and the grace to love as You have loved us.
May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, transform our communities, and shine as a beacon of hope in dark places.
We wait expectantly, not just for the celebration of Your Son’s birth, but for the complete restoration You promise.
Amen.
An Invitation to Peace
This Advent, we are called to something far more profound than seasonal sentimentality. We are invited into a transformative journey of peace – a peace initiated by God, embodied in Christ, and continually unfolding through the work of the Holy Spirit.
May this season be more than a commemoration. May it be a genuine encounter with the Prince of Peace, who continues to bring hope, healing, and restoration to our world.
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