Yesterday was the second Sunday of Advent, and as a family we lit the second candle together (turned the switch on because lets be real, I have a toddler), the candle of PEACE. Now, its so easy to think of "peace" when we think about the pretty parts of the Christmas season. The twinkly lights, the lightly falling snow, the crackling fireplaces and cozy cups of hot beverages. But its a LOT harder to feel like we're living peace-filled lives when we're planning family gatherings, buying all the gifts, trying to get the house spotless before the guests show up, getting all the baking done "just so", surviving the to-do list or even more, when something goes horribly out of plans. For me, as we were reflecting on the Peace candle, I was living an anything but peaceful reality. My poor toddler girly was having a day... just a day. Everything was wrong in her world and it was coming out at the seams. And if you've been around toddlers who just can't seem to hold it all together, you'll know they're anything but peaceful. Loud, cranky, wild... those are a bit more accurate.
Yet, as I watched the little flicker of the candle, I was deeply reminded of a truth I desperately needed in the chaos of my day. My peace doesn't come from my circumstances. It doesn't come from perfectly behaved kids, a finished to-do list, the "ideal" Christmas plans or anything else. My peace comes from Jesus, and Jesus alone. John 14:27 (ESV) says, "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." Jesus leaves His peace for us so that we can rest in Him, even when our lives might feel more like a finger painting than a pretty Christmas card. Rest in His peace this season, whatever your days might bring.
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