We all wait.

We wait in lines. We wait for mail. We wait for news. It can all feel very ordinary, mundane.

But how we wait is important. We can choose to wait - not in boredom, anxiety, or dread - but in hopeful anticipation. Every winter the season of advent beckons us and gently reminds us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to something more. To consider the future with joyful expectation. To embrace life in the “not yet” with hope, joy, peace, and faith. There is great beauty, not just in the Promise fulfilled, but in the waiting.

Romans 15:13

Waiting in Peace

The world into which Jesus came was anything but peaceful.
But the Prince of Peace was promised to the waiting world.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

The first announcement of Jesus’ birth focused on peace.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14

We can’t control others, but we can choose for ourselves.
“I cannot accomplish peace on earth, but peace in me is mine to choose.”

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

Luke 2:15-20

Jesus himself promised a different kind of peace.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

The peace Jesus’ promises is the path to:

            Peace with God

            Peace with myself     

            Peace for the future

It begins by receiving Jesus Christ as the gift of Peace.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1

It continues with a growing relationship of trust and obedience.

Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in.

Isaiah 48:18

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165      

This peace is filled with faith, certainty, and power.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39