Finding Light in Peace, Day One

Donna
Dec 18, 2022
4 min read

Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

(Luke 2:8-14, NRSVUE)

As we begin this final week of Advent, I invite you to take a few minutes to listen to this song. If you are able, turn off your phone or other distractions, find a soft, quiet place to sit, and simply be with the blessing of this song.

Benedictus (Porter's Gate)

God in all your tender compassion

the dawn from on high

it will break on us

shining on those living in shadow

guiding our feet into the way of peace.

You will guide our feet

you will guide our feet

into peace.

Today we begin the fourth week of Advent with the focus on Finding Light in Peace. In our world, our communities, and our own personal lives there are numerous places of darkness, fear and loss. And into these shadowed places, God's dawn comes, in peace, love, hope and joy. Because we are so very loved.

When the angel Gabriel greets Mary, he tells her immediately "Do not be afraid" which must have seemed an impossible request for her, a young woman in the awesome presence of a radiant angel, proclaiming blessing beyond her imagining. But she holds his words in her heart and quietly responds, "Let it be..." What helps her do this?

Later, a second annunciation comes to the humble shepherds on the hill. "Do not be afraid... for unto you, a savior is born." The sky above is filled with heavenly host, singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Can you imagine what that would have been like? I think of times I've spent in remote dark areas where the sky is so full of stars I am overcome by awe. But a sky full of heavenly host, praising God? To the shepherds it would have been impossible not to be terrified. How could they possibly comprehend the magnificence in front of them? And yet, they follow the angel's instruction, leave their sheep and go to Bethlehem to find the babe. The Savior.

This Advent, we have shared about looking for the light in the ordinary world and ordinary moments all around us. Moving through our days, expecting to find light, is a grace-filled way of living. But sometimes, light and peace find us when we're not looking, in spite of our expectations or lack of expectations. There are times for all of us when we feel rather lost in our own shadowy places. It might be due to a loss of some kind, an illness, or fears for our own and others' well-being. We might feel unable to hope, or find joy anywhere. But even here God's light and peace can break through like the dawn.

We can't make peace happen, but, like Mary and the shepherds, we can open our heart to possibilities beyond our limited imaginations. Right now, as I write this, my husband and I have been sick for almost two weeks, hit hard with Influenza A (and pneumonia for him). We are grateful to be ever-so-slowly improving. And truly, I have tried to be patient, but, at times, I cannot help wondering how all the holiday shopping, decorating and baking will ever get done. I also feel sadness about possible changes to our family traditions.

But underneath the louder concerns, there is a quiet sense of being held, that "all shall be well" and even some faint awareness of opportunity. I sense that there is a choice, and it's mine to make. It's rather like a dance. Peace offers its hand, and it's up to me to accept it. Our Christmas may need to look different this year, our packages and cards may arrive late, and our gatherings more simple. Led by Love, I extend my hand, and open my heart to new possibilities, and trust God to guide my feet.

Peace is not absence of strife. Peace is acceptance and surrender to that which is. Peace is the profound awareness of the one true source from which all things emerge . . . and to which all things return.

(Gunilla Norris)

Prayer: May our prayer for this week be "Give us Peace" - in all the ordinary, daily places where we need God's peace and love, joy and hope to break through. As you listen to the song below, allow the simple words take root, deep in your heart.