Advent Peace

By Rev. Kerry Smith

“It's the most wonderful time of the year,” but Christmas can also be the most difficult time of the year. This Sunday we focused on peace, and peace doesn’t just happen. We have to work for it, pursue it, and even sacrifice for it.

In November I always feel like this year I’m going to be able to savor Christmas, but before I know it December is flying by. My to-do list is still a mile long and I still don’t know what present to get for my favorite family member who is impossible to buy for. I have to remind myself that life isn’t a storybook and Christmas isn’t going to happen exactly as I had hoped. But it always arrives and Christ always comes, thanks be to God!

Actual peace for me looks like going outside and taking deep gulping breaths of fresh air. I love to take a ten minute break and walk the block noticing the wind blowing the leaves through the trees. Going outside and taking it all in soothes my nervous system, calms my heart and grounds me in the earth.

I am still here, living and breathing and able to appreciate all of the beauty that is around me.

The sun is in the sky and the seasons are changing. The leaves have been an amazing shade of red, orange, and yellow. Whatever is burdening your heart today, I encourage you to go outside for ten minutes. 

Breathe in the magic of God’s beautiful world because peace doesn’t just happen. Work for it, pursue it, and even sacrifice for it.